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ELEVENTH EDITION. 

NEW YORK: 

PUBLISHED BY M. W. DODD, 

BRICK CHURCH CHAPEL, 

Opposite the City Hall. 


1850 


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Exchan 8*0 

Brown University Library 


APR 8 1940 


• 4 



» « 


JUDAH’S LION. 


CHAPTER I 

‘ Oh, cousin Alick, how I do envy you !’ said Esther 
Cohen, with a sigh. 

‘ I can believe it, my poor httle coz,’ replied the 
person addressed. ^ Compared with town itself, this 
to be sure, is a free place, where you may breathe and 
glance round you : but what a look-out one will have 
from the mast-head of a tall ship, over the rich blue 
waters of the Mediterranean, with its clusters of isles, 
all immortalized in song. And then for the sandy 
desert, the high mountain-top, the dark ravine, the 
deep defile, the broad majestic waters of the seven- 
mouthed river, and all the untold wonders of nature 
and art, that lie outspread beneath the ken of travel- 
lers so enterprising, so sagacious, so classically and 
scientifically accomplished as your redoubtable cousin 
Alick!’ 

But it was for none of these things that Esther 
Cohen sighed : her fancy had indeed pictured the 


4 


judah’s lion. 


track that she had just seen her uncle point out on 
a chart with the features referred to by Alick, and 
very attractive they would ha^^e been in her eyes had 
not all other considerations been lost in the para* 
mount one which evidently was omitted in her kins- 
man’s catalogue of anticipated delights. Syria — 
Palestine — Mount Zion — these were ever prominent 
to the view of that Hebrew maiden. Gladly would 
she have trod the whole route, a fettered and blind- 
folded captive, to have found herself at the end of it 
within sight of Jerusalem, with permission to weep 
over its departed glories. Her thought by day, her 
dream by night, was of the dispersion, the degrada- 
tion of her people ; and while the occasional out- 
bursts of higher patriotism which she could not con- 
trol were good-humouredly smiled at, and herself 
regarded as a pretty enthusiast by the members of 
her uncle’s household, she was altogether isolated 
in the midst of them, by the consciousness that this, 
the deepest feeling of her heart, was totally unshared. 
Reading, meditation, and a strict attention to all the 
prescribed forms of her religion were therefore the 
elements on which her zeal was chiefly fed: and 
Esther Cohen, though amiable in a high degree, and 
universally beloved by all around her, would not 
have shrunk from, but rather have gloried in, the dis- 
tinction of being a most rigid and bigoted Jewess. 

Her uncle, the younger brother of her deceased 
father, was, on the contrary, a complete liberal in 
religion. He came of high lineage among the de- 
scendants of Abraham, and certainly prided himself 
in the unmixed character of his pedigree, which 


JUDAH'S LION. 


5 


€wned no Gentile intermarriage throughout its long 
and wide ramifications ; but he was, to all intents 
and purposes, a man of the world, prosperous in a 
lucrative and honourable branch of traffic, devoted 
to the pursuit of such advantages as he deemed most 
desirable for his family, and above all things solicit- 
ous to see his people relieved from the pressure of 
civil disabilities, and exalted to a place in the legis- 
lature. Confident that this would soon be the result 
of the efforts in progress, he had brought up his son 
with a special view to rendering him eligible for such 
distinctions; and to this end he had liberalized to an 
extent by no means approved among his stricter 
brethren ; who considered that their young kinsman 
might occupy his expected station among Gentile 
senators and officials without being unmindful of 
his own peculiar privileges as a Hebrew of the 
Hebrews. 

Nathan Alexander Cohen, however, gave himself 
very little concern with regard either to the prog- 
nostics of his father or the scruples of their friends. 
Full of animal life, buoyant in spirits, frank, sociable, 
and impetuous, he found himself possessed of all 
the advantages that this world can bestow upon its 
votaries, and sported like a young colt in the wide 
pleasant field assigned for his pasturage and play. 
Proud he was to excess ; but his pride was quite 
distinct from that of Esther or his father. Jealousy 
of his personal honour and privileges formed its chief 
point ; to which he added a nationality quite foreign 
to the general character of his people ; for he deemed 
it his cliief glory to be an Englishman. Vain were 
1 * 


a 


judah’s lion. 


his cousin’s indignant remonstrances, and the occur 
sional reprimands of elder friends ; the boy had been 
brought up in a large school, where all religious 
differences were smoothed down after the most ap 
proved fashion of fnodern indifferentism ; and little 
as his father was suspected of any fanatical attach- 
ment to the Mosaic law, the son gave ^ promise of 
holding it yet more loosely. Extensively as virtual 
infidelity is eating into the core of professing Chris- 
tianity among us, it pervades no less deeply the mass 
of the Jewish people at this day. 

Among other things, the name of Nathan had been 
wholly dropped by the younger Cohen, and that of 
Alexander, the surname of a Hebrew connexion 
which had been given him, was shortened into Alick, 
and thus assisted to Gentilize him. But in one re- 
spect he was found inveterately Israelitish, for the 
contour of his face, its olive tint, brightened into 
richness by the glow of health and animation, the jet 
black of his sparkling eyes and hair, all proclaimed 
what his manners, his education, his habits declined 
to confirm, that Alick Cohen was decidedly a Jew. 

Idle, volatile, and self-willed, he had loitered in 
his studies: and now, at eighteen, having just been 
emancipated from the hands of a private tutor, en- 
gaged to finish what the school had failed in, it rather 
puzzled his father what step to take next. A German 
university was decided on; but circumstances, where- 
in pleasure and profit were equally concerned, led 
Mr. Cohen to plan a tour in the East, where a wide 
field for commercial speculation had opened to him. 
Ahck found no difficulty in obtaining permission to 


JUDAli’s LION. 


7 


accompany him; and this gave rise to the expression 
of envy from Esther, who regarded as most desirable 
that part of her cousin’s anticipated gratifications 
which he himself scarcely even numbered among them. 

The evening before their departure Alick went to 
pass an hour with a neighbouring family, where he 
found two or three other guests assembled : his pro- 
posed route being alluded to, a young lady whose en- 
thusiasm appeared greatly roused by the subject, 
asked him if he expected to visit Jerusalem and the 
surrounding spots ! and on his replying in the affir- 
mative, entreated him to bring her some relic from 
those hallowed places; on which another remarked, 
‘ You had better ask for a sprig from one of the an- 
cient cedars of Lebanon ;’ And Alick, ever ready to 
oblige, promised to bring home a choice collection of 
those venerable trees. When he related this to Esther 
at home, to his surprise, she burst into tears, ex- 
claiming, ‘ Do not, Alick, rob our glorious mountain 
of its few surviving honours, to indulge the childish 
fancy of a vain Gentile !’ 

^You are an odd girl, Esther; what can be the 
harm of taking a leaf or two out of a cluster of crazy 
old trees?’ 

‘ Well, I shall not dispute the matter with you. 
Nevertheless, Alick, I shall pray to the God of Abra- 
ham that before you reach that spot you may have 
learned to shrink from the sacrilege you now speak of 
so lightly.’ 

But there was another in that house besides Esther, 
supplicating the God of Abraham on the youth’s 
behalf, and with a better knowledge both of whom 


8 


JUDAH S LION. 


she addressed and of what she asked. This was an 
old Christian servant, truly a Christian, who for her 
fidelity had been long installed in a sort of demi- 
official character, an office created for her in Mr. 
Cohen’s household, as overlooker of the linen de- 
partment, and superintendent of all packing, un- 
packing, and similar operations, in which she con- 
ceived herself profoundly skilled. She was a simple 
creature, without a particle of this world’s learning 
or wisdom, held in some disdain by the modern do- 
mestics for the unsophisticated homeliness of her 
ways and apparel, but by her harmlessness, good 
humour and obliging disposition, overcoming all pre- 
judice. She could not even read ; for having neg- 
lected to acquire the accomplishment in her youth, 
nothing could persuade Susan it was attainable in 
declining years, though Alick had frequently offered 
to stake his best play-things on his success in 
teaching, if Susan would become his pupil. ‘ No, 
no, master Alick,’ she would reply, ‘ I’m too old to 
learn ; and wffiat need of it while you are so good 
as to read me a scrap of news out of the paper, and 
Miss Esther a fine tale out of a story-book? It iU 
becomes the likes of me to set up for a scholar in my 
old age.’ 

Latterly, however, a great change had passed on 
Susan’s tastes and feelings. The gospel was intro- 
duced into the parish pulpit by a new minister ; she 
heard, believed, and in the midst of her simplicity 
and ignorance, became wise unto salvation. News- 
papers and story-books lost their charm : she pre- 
f(6jrred to feast her mind on what she could remember 


Judah’s lion. 


9 


of the last sabbath’s scripture and sermons ; but it 
was only within a week or two that her w'arrn interest 
had been excited on behalf of the family she loved so 
well and served so truly. 

A sermon had been preached for the Jews’ Society, 
and Susan, with awe-struck wonder, heard for the 
first time of the privileges, the sins, the chastisements, 
the hopes of Israel. Her whole soul became wrapt 
up in the one anxious desire to see her master’s 
household converted to Christ ; and Alick, as he had 
ever been her chief favourite, now stood foremost in 
her hopes and prayers. The sudden tidings of his 
intended voyage, which to her simple apprehension 
was a stupendous undertaking, beset with perils in- 
numerable, sent her in dismay to the minister, who 
calmed her fears and soothed her anxiety by putting 
up a very fervent supplication for the young Jew. 

When Alick came to her for the double purpose of 
ascertaining the state of his packages, and bidding a 
kind farewell, he was touched by the trembling ear- 
nestness of her injunctions to avoid all danger, and 
to keep away from all bad companions. ‘ Oh, never 
fear, Suke,’ replied he, ‘ I know better than to risk 
my precious neck without cause ; and as for bad com- 
pany, I shall not disgrace my family by mixing with 
people beneath me.’ 

Fain would she have pointed to a higher and purer 
motive, but she had never yet ventured upon any dis- 
course of the kind with her master’s family ; and be- 
fore she could muster resolution he was called away. 

‘ Good bye, Susan ; take care of your old bones, that 
I may find them safe and snug in their comfortable 


10 


jtjdah’s lion. 


case when I return.’ He held out his hand ; the 
faithful creature clasped it between her’s, and her 
feelings broke forth in a scriptural phrase, quoted in 
the minister’s prayer for him, and which she had 
often since repeated in her own, The God of his 
father Abraham, the Angel that delivered Jacob from 
all evil, bless the lad !” Alick looked at her with 
some surprize ; but he only said, ‘ Thank ye, Susan j 
I hope he will,’ and bounded away. 

The person who had called him was his cousin 
Esther. Discouraged in her exclusive feelings by 
those around her, and particularly shy of provoking 
Ahck’s bantering drollery, she had repressed many a 
rising exhortation where she deemed it greatly 
needed ; but now that he was on the very eve of 
departing on such a pilgrimage, she resolved to dis- 
charge her conscience, and to set before him his duty> 
Accordingly she began by inquiring if he could 
really proceed on a journey to Jerusalem with no 
greater emotion than if he were going to Paris or to 
Berlin ? 

‘ Why, no ; I don’t say that, Esther. Without 
bringing up useless distinctions in the way you do, 
one must feel something in going for the first time to 
visit what is certainly the land of his fathers, though 
it is not his own,’ 

‘Not his own, Alick Cohen? Who shall dare to 
say of that land that it is not at this moment the pro- 
perty of every Hebrew on the face of the earth ?’ 

‘ A very unprofitable property, coz. For any good 
it yields me, or any business I have with it, I might 


JUDAH’S LION. 


11 


just as well point to Sir John’s park yonder, anc call 
it mine.’ 

‘ If Coleby Park had belonged to your ancestors 
from time immemorial, and was entailed on you, the 
sole heir, and had been forcibly taken possession of 
by a gang of robbers, who held it by mere strength of 
arm, defying both law and justice, would you not 
still call it yours V 

‘ Ay, and soon get it out of their rascally clutches, 
I’ll warrant you. But your simile does not hold 
good ; for the property you speak of, yonder in the 
East, has certainly been made over by the Great Pro- 
prietor above to other tenants.’ 

‘ Alas, alas 1’ said Esther, ‘ it is too true. Our sins 
have forfeited the possession, and we shall never, 
never regain it while remaining thus careless, impe- 
nitent, hardened under the Divine rebuke.’ Then 
suddenly fixing on him her eyes, which she had be- 
fore shaded with her clasped hands, she sternly added, 
‘ It is such as you who stand between the tribes and 
their inheritance ! The very temple of Mount Zion, 
in all the magnificence of its glory, would not out- 
weigh with you the glitter and the pride of a little 
wealth, display, and power in the midst of an infidel 
nation.’ 

Alick was roused ; he darted back a look equally 
proud and angry as her own, but his eye presently 
fell beneath the lofty scorn of her’s ; and with a short 
laugh he carelessly remarked, ‘ One must not be too 
severe with a pretty girl when she gets into “ Ercles’ 
vein,” by way of variety ’ 


12 


jtjdah’s lion. 


‘ No, cousin Alick, I do not vary, and you know it 
My feeling, however suppressed out of deference to 
those above me, is always the same. A daughter of 
Jerusalem by right, I never will forego the lofty pri- 
vileges of that character, though the loftiest of them 
now be that of weeping over the ruins of Jerusalem, 
the desolation, the degradation of her degenerate sons.* 
She turned away in tears : then again facing him said, 
with greater animation, ^ You will have a new charac- 
ter to sustain ; hitherto you have lived in a charmed 
circle, where a golden talisman secures you from all 
that you must shortly expect to encounter. Unless 
with the honourable name of Nathan you mean to 
drop and wholly to deny your blood and lineage, you 
will yet find yourself reviled, taunted, thrust out, 
trampled upon, in the character of a despised Jew.* 
Colouring with anger, the youth haughtily replied, 
* Jew or Gentile, no hving man shall dare to despise 
me.* 

Esther shook her head compassionately, ‘ Ah, so 
. you think, hut time will undeceive you. Apostacy 
alone can save you from your share of the national 
curse — the scorn of the Gentile ; and I don’t think, 
Alick, I don’t think,* she deliberately repeated, ‘ that 
you are yet prepared to stamp that open brow with 
the foul brand of a cowardly apostate.* 

The youth was excessively provoked ; but affecting 
a louder laugh than before, he apologised for not hav- 
ing time to answer her pleasantry, and left her with 
apparent good humour. Esther almost regretted hav 
ing pursued so rough a course, when a little manage 


Judah’s lion. 


t 


merit might have led to better results; but it wa 
past, and no opportunity presented itself of repairing 
the mischief A brief good-bye was all she could in- 
terchange with Alick, before he started with his father 
for the port whence they were to sail, in a ship of the 
line, for the Mediterranean. 

2 


CHAPTER IL 


Adverse winds detained the ship for some diys m 
the Channel ; after which they coasted leisurely west- 
ward, the captain having to communicate with the 
Admiral at Cove. Every thing in the shape of delay 
was agreeable to Alick, who found in the sea an ele- 
ment so delightful, and in the sprightly young middies 
associates so congenial to him, than an order to cir- 
cumnavigate the globe in that company would have 
been welcome. Mr. Cohen, who suffered greatly 
from sickness, had not even made his appearance at 
the captain’s table ; hut Alick, a general favourite, 
had already experienced the hospitality of all the 
messes ; among which he certainly preferred the gun- 
room, where, at a slip of table thirty feet long, as- 
sembled the gallant array of midshipmen, varying in 
years from fourteen to more than twice that age, a 
schoolmaster, two assistant surgeons, and very fre- 
quently a warrant-officer as guest. The early dinner- 
hour of noon allowed Alick to accept the almost daily 
invitations as to a lunch, though the abundance of 
choice viands served up usually tempted him to make 
it a full meal ;'and his keen perception of character 
ensured him endless amusement among such society. 

Alick Cohen had never loved study, so far as books 
were concerned j but he was naturally of an inquiring 


JUDAH S LION. 


IS 


turn, and impressed not only vividly but deeply Avith 
whatever was presented to him through the medium 
of common occurrence or conversation. Far from 
being deficient either in sense or talent, his mind had 
remained comparatively inert, more for lack of any 
suitable stimulant to force it into action than from in- 
dolence. At home he had known no wish that could 
not be gratified by touching a bell-rope ; and at school 
a well-filled purse wrought its wonted effects. The 
society wherein he had moved was of that polish 
which wears away, from the surface at least, all irre- 
gularities of character ; and thus he had been becalm- 
ed on the smooth waters of a rich citizen’s life, long 
enough to render the present contrast enchanting. 

Some of his young friends in the gun-room were 
highly bred ; a title, more than one Honourable, and 
several of his own class, ranked among them; but 
though some affected the fine gentleman, and strove 
against the infection of their comrades’ blunt hilarity, 
they could not succeed in chilling the genial atmos- 
phere around them; more particularly as such at- 
tempts were pointedly put down by the captain and 
first lieutenant, two disciplinarians of the old school, 
and still more effectually checked by an individual of 
subordinate rank ; but who, perhaps, possessed more 
real influence among the middies than any other man 
on board. 

This was the gunner, a fine old seaman, who had 
risen by sterling merit to that important post, and 
whose thorough knowledge of his profession, peculiar 
aptitude for communicating it, and unbounded kind- 
ness in affording valuable information, had rendered 


16 


Judah’s lion. 


him an oracle among the inexperienced officers. He 
was rough and unceremonious, hut never harsh or 
rude. His broad, honest face beamed with intelli- 
gence, benevolence, and manly decision, while his 
quick eye seemed formed at once to detect and to re- 
prove anything reprehensible. Alick took great note 
of him, seldom losing a remark that he uttered; for 
in his heart he had already resolved by some means 
to enter the service ; and the information that any at- 
tentive listener might derive from Gordon’s general 
discourse on nautical subjects was likely to prove of 
material use. The grand feature, however, in the 
gunner’s character he did not comprehend, for Gordon 
was spiritually-minded; a true, firm, and consistent 
believer. 

The senior midshipman, a disappointed and discon 
tented man, openly broached infidel principles, in 
which he was covertly supported by one of the assist- 
ant surgeons, who prudently refrained from commit- 
ting himself directly on that point. The school-mas- 
ter, well read in Paley’s Evidences, and armed with 
such Christianity as man may learn from man, con- 
stantly met and repelled all serious assaults on reveal- 
ed religion ; but allowed the sneer, the laugh, the 
banter, to pass unheeded. Gordon, whose constant 
care it was to uphold the relative authority of each 
officer in the ship, refrained from interposing when 
the schoolmaster came forward ; but many a rebuke 
did he administer on occasions when, hut for him, the 
ground would have been undefended. Sharpe, the 
infidel, was much disliked by his comrades, who re- 
lished seeing him wincing under Gordon’s lash ; and 


Judah's lion. 


17 


what between well-merited love, and salutary dread, 
of the old gunner, the latter enjoyed an exemption 
from those petty persecutions which too often are the 
lot of a Christian in his situation. 

Alick’s Hebrew origin had not been surmised. In 
the little billets occasionally handed to him he was 
usually addressed as ‘ Coane,’ and he himself be- 
stowed no thought on the matter. It happened as 
they were beating off the Cove of Cork that he 
strolled into the gun-room with one of his young 
friends, just as the debate was running high between 
Mr. Sharpe and the schoolmaster. The former, it 
seemed, had denounced the whole Bible as a tissue 
of falsehood and folly ; while the latter was, with 
more earnestness than usual, upholding its divine 
authority. A group of middies surrounded the com- 
batants, of whom one was drawing a caricature sketch, 
while Gordon was delighting a mere child, just en- 
tered as a midshipman, by superintending the carving 
of a ship’s hull with his penknife. Alick took his sta- 
tion in the midst of the listeners. 

^ All that you have said is vastly fine, Mr. Cowper,’ 
said Sharpe, ^ but it amounts to just this ; certain pre- 
dictions appear in the Old Testament, and their ful- 
filment is recorded in the New ; so you make the 
two parcels of the Bible reciprocally prove each other ; 
whereas I take leave to regard them both as parts of 
one great forgery, framed so to support one another’s 
pretences.’ 

‘ Setting the New Testament aside altogether,’ re- 
plied the other, ^ I refer you to the fulfilment of pro- 
phecy in the nations around us. 

2 * 


i8 


Judah’s lion. 


* Of which a great deal took place before the pro' 
phecies were written/ said Sharpe contemptuously, 
^ and the rest would have come to pass in the natural 
course of events, even had they not been so shrewdly 
guessed at, and, as you called it, foretold.’ 

‘ Impossible !’ said Cowper, ^ no human sagacity 
could have foreseen the occurrences that have fallen 
out, exactly as foreshewn in the pages of inspiration. 
But leaving all others, I will take up one point alone j 
what think you, sir, of that universal problem, the 
outcast, miserable, degraded Jews?’ 

‘ Why, I think them a pack of very great vaga- 
bonds,’ answered Mr. Sharpe. 

‘ Undoubtedly they are ; the very offscourings of 
the world, a by-word, a hissing, a scorn, and a re- 
proach ; but was not this foretold ?’ 

‘ Yes, and in the same way I could sit down and 
write a prophecy that Poland should be dismembered 
by the Russians.’ 

‘ Well, sir, but supposing the Bible to be ever so 
modern a book as you fancy it, only a few centuries 
old, still I maintain that the lapse of those few centu- 
ries was sufficient, nay certain, in the common course 
of events, to have obliterated all natural trace of such 
an outcast race, amalgamating them with the various 
people of the earth, or exterminating them altogether 
by the many and severe persecutions that they have 
undergone. Instead of which, you find no country 
under heaven without the Jew, bearing the brand of 
his crime, the curse of God, and the universal con- 
tempt of his fellow-creatures.’ 

* Look at Sharpe, how he is posed and caught 


JUDAll’s LICN. 19 

whispered a middy to another who was leaning on 
Alick’s shoulder. 

‘ Ay/ responded the other, ‘ fairly caught in the bag 
of an old-clothes’ -man, and Jewed out of his prime ar- 
gument.’ This excited a laugh among those who 
heard it, and a variety of witticisms were bandied 
about, all deriving their point from some malicious or 
contemptuous allusion to the Jew. 

Sharpe replied, but Alick heeded not his words : a 
sensation of wrath and shame, such as he had never 
before experienced, thrilled through him. The latter, 
however, predominated for the moment ; he felt 
abashed, crushed beneath a weight of odium the more 
cruelly bitter because it was wholly free from any per- 
sonal allusion. All the epithets of scorn bestowed on 
his people, and which seemed to be generally ad- 
mitted by those who heard them as words of course, 
belonging to himself as one of that despised nation ; 
and he felt that, as a Jew, he must rank in the esti- 
mations of companions who now considered him fully 
their equal, as inferior to the least — ay, probably, to 
the sailors before the mast. The feeling that over- 
whelmed the young Israehte was that “ sorrow of 
heart” peculiar to those on whom it falls as a stroke 
from above. He smothered it in his own bosom, and 
gladly followed one of the young men who, tired of 
listening to a subject that did not interest him, went 
on deck. 

When Alick withdrew to his berth for the night, 
and found himself alone, he strove to avoid all un- 
pleasant recollections ; or rather to banish their recur- 
rence after being pretty well stifled in the mirth of an 


20 


nJDAH S LION. 


evening party. Despite all efforts, his thoughts fell 
into that train, and a new sentiment sprang up in Ins 
mind, from which it had hitherto heen wholly free — 
dislike to Christians. ‘ It was to prove the truth of 
his own religion that he dared to speak so insultingly 
of us,’ thought Alick, as he recalled the purport of 
Mr. Cowper’s argument ; ^ and though those officers 
care little enough about it in general things, yet being 
Christians, they all joined in joking and jeering at the 
Jews. Oh, how mad Esther would have been!’ and 
he could not forbear smiling, as the remembrance of 
their last discussion mingled with the picture that his 
fancy drew of her presence in the gun-room. Sleep 
soon terminated his cogitations, and at early morning 
the hustle of casting anchor in the fine harbour of Cork 
obliterated every unpleasant recollection. 

But Alick was not to remain long in this untroubled 
•tate : the captain had manned his gig, and gone off 
to the flag-ship, and the usual laxity of discipline 
connived at in port gave admission to many strangers. 
One of the middies, a mischievous lad of sixteen, 
who had been peering into the numerous boats that 
surrounded the vessel, and descried in one of them 
an object likely to afford him some sport, approached 
the schoolmaster, then leaning on a gun-carriage, 
explaining some local phenomena to a party of 
listeners, among whom was Alick, and said, ^ Here, 
Sir, I have brought you a choice addition to your 
stock of evidences : you had better keep him to pro- 
duce on your next discussion with Sharpe :’ and he 
pushed forward a most squalid little object, of un- 
questionably Jewish aspect, with a shaggy grey 


jtjdah’s licn. 


21 


beard, ragged clotliing, and a net of oranges in each 
hand. A shout of laughter welcomed the visitor, 
who seemed perfectly at his ease ; and one said 
‘ Well, my little Moshesh, vat ish your bishnesh here V 

Sharpe, just then passing, paused, joined in the 
laugh, and asked with a sneer, ‘ Which of your pro- 
phets prophesied of him, Mr. Cowper?’ 

The Jew’s brow contracted : he evidently felt the 
insult, but instead of noticing it, held up his nets, 
proclaiming the cheapness of his fruits. 

‘ Confess you stole them, Moshesh,’ said one. 

^ I did not, upon my conscience. Sir, answered the 
man. 

‘ Conscience ! a Jew’s conscience ! what a notable 
thing to swear by,’ shouted another. Alick’s blood 
was beginning to boil: he looked round, as if to 
single out some object for a burst of resentment, 
when the gunner approaching, said, ^ By your leave, 
gentlemen, as nobody seems disposed to buy, I will 
stow away the Jew’s cargo. Well, my friend, what 
are your terms V 

The nets were presently emptied, and Gordon 
resumed, ^ From what part of the world do you 
come V 

^ From Plymouth, Sir: very few of our people visit 
Ireland, and I am here hut for a short time.’ 

^ I wonder at that : it is well known Ireland is the 
only country that never persecuted your race.’ 

^ They had not the opportunity,’ said the Jew with 
a half grin, ‘ for we have not dwelt among them.’ 

^ Aye, hut what kept you away ? The poverty of 
the country you will say perhaps.’ The Jew nodded, 


22 


judah’s lion. 


‘ Then poverty has been a great blessing there,’ con- 
tinued Gordon, pointing to the land, ^ since it was the 
means of preserving at least one nation from the deep 
curse of afflicting God’s ancient people.’ 

He spoke the word curse with such deliberate em- 
phasis, and accompanied it with so keen a glance 
round him, that no one could avoid noticing it. 

^ Nay,’ said the schoolmaster, H am no apologist 
for persecution ; far from it ; it is the feature of a 
barbarous age, and wholly unsuited to these enlight- 
ened times. Still, as the Jews are certainly accursed 
by the word of the Almighty, I don’t see any parti- 
cular sin in giving them their share in the troubles of 
a troublous age.’ 

The gunner never contradicted Mr. Cowper in 
public ; he therefore only said, ^ I noticed it, sir, as 
a matter of thankfulness to the Irish people ; be- 
cause, though many nations were allowed, in old time, 
to oppress the Jews for their disobedience, yet all 
those who afflicted them were heavily judged.’ 

‘ Aye, but that was before their last unpardonable 
sin of crucifying our Saviour.’ 

‘ I cannot see. Sir, that even that fearful sin is un- 
pardonable ; for Paul the apostle, who was himself a 
persecuting, blasphemous Jew, bears witness: “ And 
they also, if they abide not in unbelief, shall be graffed 
in: for God is able to gralf them in again.” ’ 

‘ Of course ; individuals are sometimes converted ; 
or at least profess to be so. Some people indeed 
doul^t whether a real conversion from Judaism ever 
takes place.’ 


Judah’s lion. 


23 


It never does,’ muttered the orange-merchant in a 
bitter tone. 

‘No?’ exclaimed Gordon, fixing on him one of 
his most reproving looks. ‘ Is then the race of Abra- 
ham fallen low enough to practise such a base hypo- 
crisy — to acknowledge as God one whom they still 
believe to have been a condemned and executed 
malefactor V 

The Jew hung his head: and one of the Middies, 
throwing himself into an attitude, theatrically ex- 
claimed, 

‘ Now, infidel, I have thee on the hip.* 

Other quotations were also applied, in a jesting 
rather than an ill-natured spirit ; and the school- 
master remarked, ‘ All this only shews the fulfilment 
of prophecy, and triumphantly establishes my proof 
of the divine inspiration of the Bible.’ 

‘ It does, Mr. Cowper,’ answered the gunner, who 
appeared not a little moved at the scene before him ; 

‘ and blessed be God ! it proves still more ; for if the 
threatenings are thus accomplished to the very letter, 
as Ave see they are, so shall the promises be. He 
who has said, “ This people have I formed for myself, 
and they shall shew forth my praise,” will yet be 
glorified in them before the face of all nations. “ For 
the Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet 
choose Israel, and will set them in their own land.” 
‘‘ He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take 
root ; Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face 
of the world with fruit.” ’ 

‘ So, then, you are one of those sanguine people 


u 


JUDAH^S LION. 


^h.0 expect to see the Jews restored to Palestine?* 
said the schoolmaster, smiling. 

‘ I hope I am one of those believing people who 
dare not doubt that what the Lord hath spoken he 
will surely bring to pass. I heard your argument, 
Sir, yesterday, with Mr. Sharpe, and what you said 
could not be overthrown ; but while you rested on 
that point, the present degraded state of Israel, lying 
under the curse, I look forward to the closing of their 
day of calamity, and thought upon the promise, All 
nations shall call you blessed ; for ye shall be a de- 
lightsome land, saith the Lord of Hosts.” I can’t 
despise a Jew, gentlemen,’ he added, looking round 
him ; ‘ I can’t add the weight of my finger to the 
burden that God has laid on him. I know he is a 
standing miracle of judgment, and I know too that 
he will, at least nationally, be a standing miracle of 
mercy. He is a branch of the olive-tree, broken off 
through unbelief ; but I am commanded, “ Boast not 
thyself against the branches.” Gentile as I am, I 
look upon a son of Abraham with respect ; ay,’ he 
added, raising his voice, as he saw some of the youths 
glance laughingly at the ragged Jew, upon whose 
shoulder he at the same moment laid his hand, ‘ Ay, 
sirs, I look upon this poor man with the respect due 
to a race whom God chose, and blessed, and distin- 
guished among all people — a race that, say what you 

will, are the aristocracy of the earth * who,’ here 

a loud call was heard for the gunner ; and he hastened 
away. 

^ Well, now,’ said a good-humoured lad, who had 
ehecked a laugh on hearing the earnest tone of Gor- 


JUDAH S LION. 


25 


don, ‘ -well, now, let’s do something to keep up the 
external credit of the aristocracy. Who’ll add another 
to this V holding up a half-crown, ^ to purchase a bet- 
ter coat for this sprig of nobility V 

Several responded to the call ; and a good handful 
of silver was presently collected in the cap of the 
young man, who held it last to Alick, shaking its con- 
tents, and saying, ^ Come, Coane, give us a specimen 
of Gentile generosity.’ 

‘ That I cannot do,’ answered Alick, as with cheeks 
of the deepest crimson, and swelling veins, he added 
a piece of gold to the collection : ^ I am no Gentile, 
but a Jew: my name is not Coane, but Nathan Co- 
hen ; and what from you is generosity is simple jus- 
tice from me.’ 

He turned away immediately, half glad, half re- 
gretful that the confession had been made under cir 
cumstances so peculiar. It was, in truth, a burst of 
nationality that surprised himself when he reflected 
upon it. ‘ It is as well, though,’ thought he : ‘ for 
they would have gone on snarling at our people till 
some accident betrayed what neither my father or I 
ever dreamed of concealing, and then they would 
have remembered their impertinent speeches, and 
nothing but quarrels could ensue. As it is, I’ve shewn 
them that I am neither ashamed nor afraid to speak 
out : and I suppose good manners will keep them 
silent for the future. But why was I born a Jew?* 
he continued, as mortifying recollections crowded upon 
him : ‘ or why should such distinctions be kept up 
among Enghshmen? I should not mind turning 
Christian to get rid of the stigma; but then they 
3 


26 


Judah’s lion. 


would call me ^ a converted Jew,’ which is worse stilL 
And, after all, what right has anybody to despise us ? 
we are a wealthy race, and our men are as fine, our 
women as handsome as the best of them. How such 
vulgar prejudices can exist among gentlemen, I can- 
not conceive ; at any rate, they must now hold their 
i tongues in my presence.’ 

And so they did: the schoolmaster assured the 
young men that it was unworthy the genius of the 
nineteenth century to keep up such antiquated illi- 
beral prejudices ; to which they readily assented ; and 
while some frankly apologized to Alick for the unin- 
tentional offence given, others strove by redoubled at- 
tention and respect to do away with the remembrance. 
Still the witlings could not refrain from indulging their 
leading propensity at his expense ; and he was often 
vexed and irritated by casual discoveries of their jokes. 
In reference to the gunner’s expression, his father was 
privately called the Duke : himself the Marquess ; 
their little cabin, ‘ Duke’s Palace,’ with sundry other 
ludicrous allusions, very annoying to a proud spirit, 
which was apt to chafe at trifles. 

When next Gordon met him, he touched his cap 
with one hand, and extending the other, said, ^ I ho- 
nour you greatly, Mr. Cohen, for the avowal you made 
at such a time, and in such a way. I, for one, never 
had an idea of your being a Hebrew.’ 

Alick shook heartily the offered hand, and thanked 
him for supporting the character of his people. 

‘ I doubt, young gentleman, whether I did that ! 1 

only repeated God’s promises, and declared my own 
faith in them. And may I ask, sir, whether you too 


Judah’s lion. 


27 


are looKing forward to the glorious things promised to 
your race V 

‘ Why, indeed, Mr. Gordon, I am so thoroughly the 
Englishman that I know of no country preferable to 
that in which I was born — no distinction greater than 
the citizenship of her great metropolis ; all the privi- 
leges of which I hope one day to enjoy, when Parlia- 
ment has done away with the obstacles that now en- 
cumber our path. We shall soon rise above the petty 
carpings that we now cannot quite silence ; and all 
these invidious distinctions will be forgotten.’ 

The old seaman looked at him with compassionate 
interest : he had much to say, but knew not how to 
introduce it ; nor did the time or place allow of pro- 
longed discourse. They parted, therefore, Alick pro- 
ceeding to the quarter-deck, and the gunner remark- 
ing to himself, ‘ What a blessing that fine boy would 
become among his people if the Lord were pleased to 
make him indeed a Jew.’ 

Gordon was not one of those who imagine that a 
Jew when Christianized must needs be Gentilized 
also. He had very high, because very scriptural, 
views of the peculiar privileges secured to the chil- 
dren of Abraham, and which he knew were«.not an- 
nulled but confirmed by their becoming subjects of 
Messiah’s kingdom. He longed to open the matter 
to Alick, in such a way as to engage his attention, 
with the purpose of leading him to the feet of Him of 
whom Moses in the law and the prophets did write ; 
and he hoped that in the course of their voyage such 
opportunity would be given. 


CHAPTER III 


^ There is one thing that I can’t understand,’ said 
Alick to a Midshipman, with whom he was pari ding 
the deck, ‘ and that is the rank held by your friend 
the Gunner. He seems to me to belong to every 
class, and yet to form a class by himself Seeing what 
disciplinarians you are, and how rigidly you all observe 
the distinctions of rank, it often puzzles me to see 
this Gordon an exception from all rules.’ 

‘ You are right,’ answered the Middy. ^ The Gun- 
ner is individualized among a ship’s company : his 
office is vfery important, though more aldn to a 
non-commissioned officer in the army than any 
other, and attained in the same way. He is a picked 
seaman of courage, conduct and experience, and so 
necessary to us that we could not get on without him. 
Gordon would be ^ regular character in any situation, 
but the’ one he holds is just made for him ; and he is 
thoroughly good-natured. When I was but half re- 
covered from a sharp fit of illness, nervous, restless, 
and all thaf, he let me go to his cabin, night after 
night, and read, talk, or hold my tongue, as the fancy 
might he, by his cheerful lamp, when all the rest was 
darkness.’ 

‘ Why is he exempt from the barbarous regulation * 
of “ lights out ” — at half past eight T 


JUDAirS LION. 


29 


‘ Yes . the Gunner has always leave to burn his till 
ten. 

^ Nay, then, I must make friends with him,’ said 
Alick: ‘ for you can’t think how 1 hate the extinguish- 
ing system.’ 

‘ Take care, however, Cohen : for he’ll certainly 
make a Methodist of you,’ said the young man smil- 
ing : and then, as if a sudden thought had flashed 
across his mind, he blushed, stammered, and hesita- 
tingly added, ‘ 1 — I beg your pardon.’ 

‘For what?’ asked Alick staring: ‘for thinking I 
could be made a Methodist of?’ 

‘No, no : only I forgot just then — I — oh, by the 
way, do you know to-morrow is a royal birth-day, and 
as there’s a frigate in company, we shall treat you 
landsmen to a little gunpowder at sea.’ 

What could put him so out of countenance all on 
a sudden ? was Alick’ s mental inquiry : and then the 
conviction struck him that his being a Jew had re- 
curred to his companion’s mind, in some connection 
with the word Methodist : probably as being alike 
terms of reproach. It ruffled him, and produced the 
usual effect of an increased feeling of estrangement 
from all around him. Meanwhile a very different 
conversation, of which he was the subject, was go- 
ing on in another part of the ship between Gordon 
and an old sailor, no less devout and zealous than 
himself, but by no means so partial to the Jewish 
cause. 

‘ I can’t see what difference it makes,’ remarked 
Tom Miller, ‘ his being Jew or Gentile so long as he 
i not a Christian. All you have to do is to seek hi$ 
3 ^ 


30 


JU DA It's LION. 


conversion, and then, be his birth and lineage what 
they may, he becomes Abraham’s child, and an heir 
according to promise. That’s my mind. Gunner.’ 

‘ In one sense, I agree with you, Tom ; as regards 
the spiritual privilege, we are all equal. Sinners alike 
by nature, lost and ruined : saved alike, wholly and 
entirely by grace • in which salvation there is no dif- 
ference put between us, God purifying our hearts by 
faith. Children of wrath together, lying under the 
curse, until we receive together the adoption of chil- 
dren, becoming equally heirs of God, and joint heirs 
with Christ.’ 

‘ Ay : what a wonderful work is there,’ said the old 
sailor ; ^ choosing such wretches as you and I, taking 
us out of the mire, from the dunghill of sin, and ex- 
alting us among the princes. Glory be to redeeming 
grace !’ 

‘ Amen, brother! And now, having agreed in this, 
let us look a little farther, and we shall see that even 
in a family of children where all are to inherit pro- 
perty, there is a distinction belonging to the elder, 
and this I claim for the Jew. You know how Paul, 
having shewn to the Romans the universal sinfulness 
of our race, and that the national privileges or supe- 
rior knowledge of the Jew will not save him, puts the 
question, as from one taking your view of the matter : 
“ What advantage then hath the Jew, or what profit 
is there in circumcision ?” and replies to it, Much 
every way going on to shew that the unbelief of 
individuals could not make the promise of God of 
none effect. For, Tom, they are still beloved for the 
fathers’ sakes.’ 


JUDAH S LION. 


31 


^You don’t mean, any how, that an unbelieving 
Jew will be saved for the fathers’ sakes?’ 

‘ No, Tom, no. I speak of Israel as a nation, now 
a sapless trunk indeed, blighted and naked, and to aU 
appearance dead : but for the sake of the root, which 
was holy before God, he will once more cause life to 
circulate, and the old tree to put forth leaves and 
branches yet again ; ay, and such branches too as 
shall overshadow the whole earth!’ 

^ Well, I shan’t argue with you, seeing I have not 
half yoifr knowledge, Mr. Gordon ; but my poor prayers 
are offered for yonder dear boy, that he, at any rate, 
may grow up as a young plant in the courts of the 
Lord’s house.’ 

It was the peculiar trial of the good Gunner to meet 
with very few, even among enlightened Christians, 
who could enter into his views respecting God’s de- 
clared purpose towards his ancient people. Those 
views he perfectly well knew to be scriptural ; but he 
also knew that their reception was by no means ne- 
cessary to the spiritual well-being of a believer: though 
again he was aware that to overlook any plainly re- 
vealed truth, cannot be well-pleasing to Him who has 
given us no idle or unnecessary words to perplex us. 
He rather loved, when with his fellow- Christians, to 
be building themselves up on their most holy faith in 
things absolutely e.ssential, than to be engaged in con- 
troversy on matters that were not so ; but seeing how 
manifestly the reception of these truths quickened the 
zeal and heightened the enjoyment of such as were 
enabled to perceive them, he could not altogether keep 
silence. The feelings with which he regarded the in- 


32 


judah’s lion. 


teresting youn|* Israe ite e.i bot .d we* 5 probably 
strengthened b] being pent up within his bosom, and 
certainly were prepared for an explosion on the first 
opportunity. 

The day noticed as a royal birth-day was also the 
Christian Sabbath ; and Alick, who had never wit- 
nessed the sight of a ship’s company assembled for di- 
vine service, readily accompanied the superior officers 
on their round of inspection at divisions. The clean, 
handsome, healthy appearance of the men, their be- 
coming deportment, and all the beautifully-ordered ar- 
rangements, down to the graceful disposition of the 
Union Jack, throwing its thick folds over the grog- 
tub and log-board that formed the pulpit, all attracted 
his admiration ; and he sat, a quiet, if not an interested 
auditor, during the hour of prayers. 

The first lesson for the day was that sublime portion 
of Scripture, the 23d and 24th chapters of Numbers. 
It arrested his attention more than once, by the re- 
peated mention of Jacob and Israel, and the abun- 
dance of the reiterated promises: but such was his 
ignorance of every thing connected with the Bible, 
that he did not know it formed a part of the ancient 
Scriptures ; much less that it was the writing of Moses. 
At one time he caught the old Gunner’s eye fixed al- 
ternately upon the reader and on him, with such an 
eagerly-animated expression, that it made him anxious 
to know what might be the reason ; he listened, and 
heard the words, “ God brought him forth out of 
Egypt; he hath, as it were, the strength of a unicorn: 
he shall eat up the nations, his enemies, and shall 
break their bones, and pienr-e them through with his 


Judah’s lion. 


33 


arrows. He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as 
a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he 
that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.” 

The wind was whistling among the sails, which in- 
duced the chaplain, whose feelings did not appear to 
be so much roused by what he was reading as those 
of some of his auditors were, to elevate his voice con- 
siderably, while uttering this passage ; and a perfect 
lull of a few moments occurring at the same time, 
gave strong effect to the concluding words. Some 
who remembered the Gunner’s expression a day or 
two before, when the poor Jew was on board, could 
not help stealing a look at Alick, who was an object 
of more interest, perhaps, than any thing else among 
them. Service being concluded, a general stir took 
place, for, in honour of the day the royal standard 
was to be hoisted, and saluted with twenty-one guns. 

A light, fresh breeze was stirring, the sun shone 
brilliantly ; and the sails, whitened by a morning 
shower, looked, as Alick remarked, like the plumage 
of a swan, as the noble ship rolled gracefully through 
the waves. While gazing upwards with admiration 
at the beautiful contrast between a very deep blue sky 
and the snowy canvas outspread to catch the breeze, 
he suddenly beheld what is ever dear to the heart, 
and glorious in the eye of a Briton, the magnificent 
standard of England, unfolding its gorgeous blazonry 
in glowing contrast to both, and casting a ruddy gleam 
upon the water beneath. There was something in 
the very act of unfurling this flag at sea, that together 
with the splendid effect produced, transported Alick 
to a fit of enthusiasm. He took off his hat, and loudly 


34 


JIDAH S LION. 


cheered the flag.* The first lieutenant passing at that 
moment, touched his shoulder, saying with a smile, 
‘ A little patience, Mr. Cohen : wait for the salute.’ 
This was presently given : the thunder of the guns, 
the wreathing of the light blue smoke, as it rose and 
curled away; the strong vibration of the ship’s side 
against which he leaned, and the loud, long, measured 
cadence of three hearty cheers, given at the full pitch 
of some seven hundred manly voices, altogether kin- 
dled the fire of Alick’s spirit, as it had never been kin- 
dled before : he was in the height of that enjoyment 
which to a young and ardent mind outweighs all that 
wealth and power can bestow. He wanted but one 
thing — he longed to trace a fellow-feeling somewhere, 
that he might be tempted to speak out the delight 
which swelled his heart ; but he was alone ; no one 
just then beside him, nor did any body appear to be 
at all excited by what occasioned him so great emo- 
tion. Again he gazed upon the crimson flag: and 
presently was greeted by the loud cheerful voice of 
Gordon, abruptly exclaiming, ‘ Ay, Mr. Cohen, there 
floats the Lion of Judah.’ 

‘ The Lion of England, I suppose you mean,’ said 
an officer somewhat sharply, who had caught the 
remark as he passed. 

^ The Lions of England, Sir, and the Lion of 
Judah also, I believe,’ answered the Gunner, touching 
his cap, ^ I have heard it so remarked, and by one 
well read in heraldry.’ 

^ Holloa, Sharpe !’ cried the other, ‘ come, here’s 
this fellow Gordon making Jews of us all!’ 

‘ Pardon me, gentlemen,’ said the Gunner, as se • 


Judah’s lion. 


35 


veral gathered round at this summons, ‘ I believe you 
will find on examination, that the arms of England 
contained only two lions, until our Richard the first 
added a third, after his conquest in Palestine, and 
that third lion he probably adopted as the well-known 
standard of the country where his greatest exploits 
were performed, and a chief type of Him, “ the Lion 
of the tribe of Judah,” whose cause he professed to 
uphold against the infidel Saracens.’ 

‘ This is all conjecture,’ said one of the gentlemen, 
laughing, ‘ and a very wild conjecture too.’ 

‘ So it is,’ observed another : ‘ and yet I have known 
grave volumes of history founded on conjecture more 
improbable than this.’ 

A great debate followed, embracing various topics 
of history, heraldry, and other matters, to which nei- 
ther the Gunner nor Alick staid to listen : the former 
proceeded to his post ‘ the latter went and leaned 
over the stern, watching for the glancing reflection of 
the banner on the silver spray. 

‘Judah’s Lion !’ thought he ; ‘ what a strange idea 
that is ; and yet 1 don’t see but it may be perfectly 
correct. Richard bore the title Cceur- de-lion^ and 
might, in consideration of that distinction, clap a 
third lion upon his shield. He might, to be sure ; 
but on the other hand, how very natural it would be 
that he, who became by his conquests lord of Pa- 
lestine, should incorporate that trophy with his own. 
Judah’s lion!’ he again repeated, chuckling as the 
thought arose, ‘ if so, why England fights under our 
banner — she may point to the standard of the de- 
spjsed Jew, and say, “ In hoc signo vinces.” I’ll go 


36 


JUDAH S LION. 


this very night to the Gunner’s cabin, and get some 
further information from him. ’Twill be better at any 
rate than turning into bed at such an unreasonable 
hour.’ 

And Alick, happily for him, kept his resolutioiL 
No sooner were the lights extinguished, than he pro- 
ceeded to the snug little cell, tapping at the door, and 
being told to walk in, found the Gunner seated at a 
small table, with a large book before him. ‘ I beg 
your pardon, Mr. Gordon; I won’t interrupt you, as 
you are reading.’ 

‘ Reading or not, you don’t intermpt me, young 
gentleman : I am delighted to see you here'’ 

^ May I sit with you a little while, Mr. Gordon? 
May I ask you a few questions about the Lion ?’ 

The Gunner sprang from his seat, bolted the door, 
and said in a voice that faltered with suppressed emo- 
tion. ‘ As long as you please you shall sit here, and 
nobody shall interrupt us while we talk, as by God’s 
blessing, we will talk’ — and he clasped his hands to- 
gether as he leaned them on the Bible — ^ on the most 
stirring, the most glorious of all subjects — the Lion 
of the tribe of Judah !” ’ 

‘ Y ou are very fond of our people, Mr. Gordon,’ said 
Alick, smiling. 

‘ Sir, I owe to your people more than my life : I 
owe to them this book, the writings of Moses and the 
prophets, who were all Jews; the writings of the 
Evangelists and Apostles, who were all likewise 
Jews: and through them the knowledge of my Lord 
and Saviour, the King of the Jews, God over ally 
blessed for ever!’ 


Judah’s lion. 


37 


This was more than Alick Cohen could under* 
stand : but he did not mean to enter into any theolo- 
gical discussion ; therefore he only said. ‘ I am glad 
you love us, Mr. Gordon, and Fm sure I lovs Chris- 
tians ; at least such as you are. But now aho;it the 
Lion on the standard, and king Richard adopting it’ 

^ You heard this morning all I knew of that,’ re- 
plied Gordon. ^ My small stock of information was 
soon communicated. I saw you looking at the royal 
standard, with feelings that I very well understood; 
for I have served under that flag, Mr. Cohen, ever 
since I was a little hoy — a little cahin-boy, blacking 
the officers’ shoes: for though, by the goodness of 
God, I have risen to a re.sponsible and respectable 
station, and am treated so kindly by gentlemen born 
and bred, yet, sir, I sprang from very humble pa- 
rents, the poor of this world, only rich in faith, who 
could’nt have afforded me the means of learning to 
read. I came first on board a ship, hoping just to 
pick up a few crumbs of biscuit by doing any menial 
work — an honest little vagabond, afraid to steal, and 
ashamed to beg while my small fingers could work. 
But you see, sir, I have had a good Master to serve, 
and after some hard rubs, he has brought me to 
honour, as I may call it. And now Mr. Cohen, I ad* 
vise you to serve the same Master, who will be equally 
gracious to you. To return to the standard, as 1 
said, I saw you looking on it, with the heart of an 
Englishman ; and perhaps not knowing that it had 
its commendation to the heart of an Israelite too.’ 

‘ I was quite ignorant of it, indeed : and I should 
like to know more about our old Lion.' 

4 


38 


JUDAH S LION. 


^You remember,’ said Gordon, ‘how your great 
ancestor, Jacob, blessed his twelve sons, the heads of 
the twelve tribes, before he died ; and the particular 
mention of the lion in Judah’s blessing?’ 

Alick did not remember, because he did not know 
a word about it ; however, his curiosity was excited, 
and he said, ‘ To tell you the truth, Mr. Gordon, I 
have been rather a bad student. I read what was put 
into my hands, but never gave proper attention to it : 
so though I may have seen it all before, any thing 
you see good enough to tell me will be as new to me 
as if I had not’ 

‘ Well, come here, and look at this page, where 
the whole is related by your great Lawgiver, Moses.’ 
He turned to the forty-ninth chapter of Genesis, and 
saying in a low but distinct voice, ‘ May the God of 
Jacob bless it to our souls for Jesus Christ’s sake,’ he 
pointed out the eighth verse, re .guesting Alick to read 
it, who, colouring with a feeling that he could not de- 
fine, began, “ Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren 
shall praise, thy hand shall be in the neck of thine 
enemies, thy father’s children shall bow down before 
thee. Judah is a lion’s whelp : from the prey, my son 
thou art gone up : he slooped down, he couched as a 
lion, and as an old lion ; who shall rouse him up ?” 
Alick here exclaimed, ‘ Why, we heard that in the 
morning.’ 

‘Yes: but not in the same part of the book; we 
will see to that presently : go on, if you please.’ Alick 
resumed. 

‘ “ The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a 
Lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come ; 


Judah’s lion. 


39 


and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. 
Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass’s colt unto 
the choice vine ; he washed his garments in wine, 
and his clothes in the blood of grapes ; his eyes shall 
be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.” 

I This is prose, but really I never read poetry so beau- 
I tiful, Mr. Gordon. The sceptre is departed from Ju- 
I dah, alas!’ — and that sigh was the first Alick ever 
gave to the desolation of his people — ‘ but I don’t 
know who Shiloh is. In fact I feel I am shamefully 
ignorant of things I ought to know. Please to tell me, 
Mr. Gordon, who is Shiloh V 
I As the boy turned his bright eyes on his companion, 
( the expression of humility, submission, and earnest- 
ness upon his ingenuous countenance so touched the 
warm heart of the old Christian sailor, that for the 
1 moment his voice failed him. He pointed upwards, 
and then said, ^ Pray that you may know him.’ 

I Alick dropped his eyes, looking disappointed, and 
I Gordon resumed, ^ I will point out something remark- 
\ able to you. These words spoken by Jacob could not 
be known to that heathen idolater Balaam, when the 
king of Moab sent him to curse Israel ; yet see how 
similar are the terms he uses ; in fact the same 
and he turned to the twenty-fourth of Numbers, point- 
ing out the 9th verse, He couched, he lay down as a 
lion, and as a great lion, w^ho shall stir him up?” ^ That 
is singular,’ said Alick, ^ how do you account for it ?’ 

^ By the fact, that both spake as they were moved 
by the Spirit of the Lord ; Jacob willingly ; wicked 
Balaam against his will : and this not only confirms 
the prophecy, but makes it doubly observable.’ 


40 


jijdah’s lion. 


‘ That’s true. Do you see, too, it is said here that 
he, that is Jacob, “ hath as it were the strength of an 
unicorn.” The unicorn also is in the royal arms of 
England.’ 

Gordon smiled, delighted at finding the youth thus 
interested.- ^ I never thought of the unicorn before, 
I acknowledge, but your remark is true. And now 
see another prediction of Shiloh : There shall come 
a star out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall rise out of Is- 
rael this star, this sceptre is Shiloh.’ 

‘ How can that be T asked Alick quickly. ‘ The 
sceptre was to depart when Shiloh came : how then 
can Shiloh be a sceptre.’ 

‘ I’ll tell you,’ said Gordon, with increased anima- 
tion, ‘ and oh, what a privilege it is to tell you things 
on the knowledge of which depends the salvation of 
your immortal soul ! This sceptre of Jacob — ’ 

Before he could add another word, a rap at the 
door was followed by a summons to attend the first 
Lieutenant immediately. Gordon’s countenance had 
never looked so clouded, as it did on hearing this ; he 
rose heavily, and Alick said, ‘ Never mind : you’ll let 
me come another time, I know, and then you can tell 
me more of this. I am very, very much obliged to 
you, Mr. Gordon, indeed I am. I’ll try to become a 
better scholar, and at all events I’ll never rest till I 
find out all that is to be found out about Judah’s Lion.’ 

‘ Dear boy !’ thought the Gunner as he hastened 
upon deck, ‘ you little know how true a word you have 
spoken. Rest, indeed, can never be yours till you 
come to a right acquaintance with the Lamb that was 
slain — ‘Hhe Lion of the tribe of Judah?” ’ 


CHAPTER IV. 


Man’s enmity against the truth is the most active 
principle within him. He may affect to despise, but 
in reality he fears while he hates it, and stoutly resists 
every accession to the ranks of true believers. He 
that is horn after the flesh, naturally desires to perse- 
cute a brother born after the Spirit; and there, was 
no exception to this rule on board Her Majesty’s ship 
; though as yet the pious Gunner had not expe- 
rienced its operation, beyond a few petty annoyances, 
which he scarcely felt. 

But who with impunity shall stretch forth the hand 
to unwind the web in which Satan holds captive a 
lost sheep of the house of Israel ! Judaism, the shell 
wherein lies, concealed and useless to its possessor, 
the rich kernel of the gospel, and Popery, the worth- 
less husk from which that kernel has been privily 
eaten out, are the objects of his peculiar vigilance. 
To reveal to the Jews the undiscovered riches, and to 
the Papist the unsuspected hollowness of what he 
grasps, is to shake the pillars of that throne whereon 
the Prince of darkness sits ; for well he knows that 
the restoration of Israel and the destruction of Popery 
are the appointed signals for fettering him in the bot- 
tomless pit. 

Sharpe the infidel was a ready tool in the work of 
4 # 


42 


judah’s lion. 


hindering the truth. He really dreaded nc man on 
board in an argument except Gordon, for he alone 
wielded the sword of the Spirit against him. The 
only instance in which he had been effectually silenced 
by the learned but unenlightened schoolmaster, was^ 
when the latter appealed to the state of the Jews as a 
living testimony to the verity of God’s word; and the 
way in which Gordon followed it up increased his an- 
noyance. He noticed, with sullen dislike, the grow- 
ing cordiality between the Gunner and Alick Cohen, 
and without caring a straw whether the boy continued 
a Jew or became a ^ Methodist’ — for Mr. Sharpe, like 
many better and wiser people, fancied that in becom- 
ing a Christian a man must cease to be a Jew — he 
resolved to make it an occasion for punishing the ob- 
jects of his malice. 

He easily managed to convey to Mr. Cohen some 
hints on the unsuitableness to his rank in life of the 
intimacy his young son seemed disposed to form ; with 
an assurance that if allowed to continue it ho would 
be seduced, not merely from the religion of his fathers, 
but to join a sect so extremely higotted, narrow-mind- 
ed, and despised by all sensible people, as to become 
a scoff among respectable Christians. This exceed- 
ingly alarmed Mr. Cohen : he sent for Alick, and be- 
stowed on him a reprimand for losing sight of his sta- 
tion in society, and without making any allusion to 
religion, prohibited him from further acquaintance 
with the warrant-officOr, in whose cabin he heard he 
had been sitting after the lights were out. 

‘ That was the very reason, father,’ said Alick, who 
had no desire to put it on any other footing. ‘ Do you 


JUDAH S LION. 


43 


blame me for availing myself of a good candle, in 
stead of going to bed at nursery-hours?’ 

^ You are not obliged to go to bed ; ’tis very pleas- 
ant on deck in the evening.’ 

^ I’m walking the deck all day,’ said Alick, fret- 
fully ; ‘ and a little quietness at night, without being 
shut up wholly in the dark, I may surely enjoy.’ 

‘ Nonsense! you have companions of your own age 
and rank, every way suitable, and may be well con- 
tent to do as they do. Hold no further intercourse 
with this Bcratswain, or whatever they call him ; and 
remember it is but for a short time. You will soon 
be ashore, and may burn candles all night : and aU 
day too, if you please.’ 

Alick smiled : his father’s good-humoured way of 
speaking had always influenced him more than any 
principle of obedience would have done ; and he re- 
solved to follow his own inclination without ‘ vexing’ 
a parent whom he loved, by open rebellion. 

Meanwhile Sharpe, having satisfied himself that 
Mr. Gohen would not sanction any farther intimacy 
between his son and the Gunner, went to the first 
Lieutenant, who was on deck ; and Sharpe was glad 
to perceive the Captain so near as to be within hear- 
ing. He mentioned to the Lieutenant that their wor- 
thy passenger was made exceedingly unhappy by dis- 
covering that Gordon, whom every one knew to be a 
fanatic in religion, was tampering with his son’s creed. 
‘ A .Tew,’ continued he, ‘ feels his disadvantage among 
so many Christians : but he is really a gentleman, and 
as such’ — 

^ Of course, of course, Mr. Sharpe,’ interrupted the 


44 


JUDAH^S LION. 


Captain ; and Sharpe, seeing his words had produced 
the desired effect, touched his cap and retreated. 

Gordon was summoned, reprimanded, and informed 
that any farther interference with the young gentle- 
man would be considered an act of insubordination, 
and treated accordingly. 

‘Alas!’ thought the Christian sailor, as he slowly 
withdrew, ‘ how many are the foes that rise up against 
Israel! Must I withhold my hand from a work 
brought to me in a way so remarkable and unexpectv 
ed ? I can’t think it a part of my duty to obey this 
order: there’s nothing in the. articles of war to au- 
thorize it ; and if I suffer unjustly, not for a breach 
of duty, but for righteousness’ sake, I lose a little 
worldly profit and credit, but not the blessing of the 
Lord.’ Raising his eyes, he saw Alick among the 
rigging, laughingly exulting in having, by his superior 
agility, outstripped a fat, titled Middy in a climbing 
race. ‘The noble boy! No, I won’t give him up : 
I won’t,’ repeated the Gunner, stoutly. 

But the next day Alick, watching an opportunity, 
eagerly accosted him. ‘ Mr. Gordon, hush ! I’m for- 
bidden to speak to you ; so tell me when and where 
I may do it without fear of discovery.’ 

‘ Who forbade you, Mr. Cohen V 

‘ My father.’ The Gunner’s countenance instantly 
fell, and he looked so distressed that Alick anxiously 
continued. ‘ It is all through the malicious spite of 
some blackguard or another — very likely that Sharpe ; 
and though I wont displease my father openly, it shall 
not hinder my talking with you as much as I can.’ 

‘No, Mr. Cohen: the law of Moses, or rather of 


JUDAH S LION. 


45 


God, the law which Christ came not to destroy but to 
fulfil, the immutable law of the ten comrnandrnentSj 
bids you honour your father and your mother. Obe- 
j dience to parents is a. duty that none may neglect. 
Your father commands, you must obey.’ 

‘But this command was unjust and unreasonable; 
besides, I see no cause why I should be in leading- 
strings to anybody. I’m old enough to think for my- 
self’ 

Gordon drew a small Bible from his pocket ; and 
turning to the twenty-first chapter of Deuteronomy, 
requested Alick to read the eighteenth and three 
I following verses, saying, ‘ That command was given 
to your father.’ 

The youth read it in silence ; then turning rapidly 
over the leaves of the volume, and glancing at the 
I title-page, he, suddenly looking up, said, with a manly 
bluntness that Lad more than once struck the Gunner 
as characteristic of growing decision — ‘ Mr. Gordon, I 
wish you would lend me this book.’ 

‘ Lend it you ! Ay, that I will : and I’ll lend it you 
till you have read every word in it, and can say you 
have no more use for it: which will not come to pass 
till the Lion of the tribe of Judah take to him his 
great power and comes to reign. The book is yours, 
Mr. Cohen: read it, and all the treasures of wisdom 
and knowledge are yours.’ 

‘ But now,’ said Alick smiling, ‘ suppose Papa 
catches me at it, and says, “ I forbid you to read it,” 
what shall I do?’ 

‘ Obey God rather than man. You must obey your 
parents, because God has commanded it : but if they 


46 


JUDAH'S LION. 


order you to do anything contrary to his command, 
they do away with their own authority which is 
founded on his command.’ 

‘ And does God command me to read this book ?’ 

‘ He does, sir, as you will soon find if you examine 
it. The five first books, the Pentateuch, or hooks of 
the law, were written by Moses himself: and every 
king of Israel was required not only to read, but with 
his own hand to write out the law as there given. At 
this day it is read in your synagogues, and held in the 
deepest veneration.’ 

^ What I is this the law, the Thorah of our people ? 
1 had no idea of that. Will it tell me any more about 
the Lion of Judah?’ 

^ Everything, if you will hut pray to have your eyes 
opened, and your understanding enlightened: and now 
farewell, Mr. Cohen ; my deagj young friend, I hope I 
may say. No farther conversation must we have ; 
but I’ll pray for you day and night, in the name of the 
King Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ’ And he turned 
away, scarcely able to restrain his tears, but rejoicing 
in heart, while Alick, after warmly shaking his hand, 
pocketed the little Bible and walked off 

^ How sinful I wasj’ thought the Gunner, ^ to doubt 
that everythiiig would be better ordered than I could 
have devised or dreamed of There he has got hold 
of the great scripture principle of obedience ; and his 
poor blind father, in depriving him of such a broken 
cistern as I should have been, has put him in the way 
of drawing direct from the fountain of living waters. 
I dared not hope I should persuade him to accept 9 
Bible, and he has asked me for it !’ 


JUDAH^S LION. 


47 


Sharpe, who expected a very different expression 
of countenance, was sorely perplexed to see Gordon 
look so contented, and even joyous. He narrowly 
watched to detect any clandestine doings, but in vain. 
Nothing of the sort took place ; the only dissatisfied 
countenance that he saw was in his looking-glass : all 
against whose peace he had practised were pleased 
and happy. 

Alick first found, and re-perused the prophecy of 
’Balaam ; and then resolved to *read the book regu- 
larly through. This was not an easy task on board 
ship ; and as his father overcame the first effects of 
the sea, he kept him much with him. We all know 
how many ways Satan has of hindering the study of 
God’s word ; and no marvel if poor Alick expe- 
rienced many an interruption. Reading as opportu- 
nity served and inclination prompted, he had just fin- 
ished the book of Genesis, when they neared the straits 
of Gibraltar ; and thenceforward he had no eyes or 
thought, save for the look-out. They soon anchored 
in the noble harbour of Valetta, and disembarking, 
took up their temporary abode ; the ship being detain- 
ed for the next packet, which was expected soon, with 
dispatches from Malta. 

Here Alick was destined to encounter the grand 
stumbling-block of his people, against which Gordon 
had intended to warn him. Strolling about with one 
of the Middies, the day after their arrival, he descried 
at some little distance a long line of procession, per- 
sons robed and cowled, bearing banners, and what 
greatly surprised him, lighted tapers that glared with 
a strange sickly aspect under a brilliant sun. Before 


48 


judah’s lion. 


reaching them, the procession turned off into a cross 
street, and Alick asked his companion what it was. 
‘ The host, I suppose, by the manner in which the 
people reverenced it. By the way, if ever you meet 
it, be sure to take off your hat, and stand still till it is 
past.’ 

‘ With all my heart : but why?’ 

‘ Why ! because every-body does ; that is, all Chris- 
tians do, and I suppose all other people.’ 

‘ I have seen many processions in London,’ oh*, 
served Alick: ^ but, except to cheer the Queen, or the 
Duke, or some big-wig, I never took off my hat’ 

‘ They don’t carry the host about in London,’ said 
the Middy. 

‘ Well, but what is this host? What is it made 
of?’ 

‘ ’Tis made of a wafer, but they think it is God.’ 
Alick stared most wildly at his companion, who, feel- 
ing his deficiency in theological learning, changed the 
subject However, the young Jew questioned his 
father about it in the evening, who carelessly said, 

‘ Most of the people here are Catholics, and their re- 
ligion is more openly professed than in England, where 
liberality holds a very slow march. We have nothing 
to do with it, Alick ; but as a matter of good-breeding 
and policy, we must show the same respect to it that 
others do.’ 

^ Well, but, father, explain to me what this host, or 
wafer, is.’ 

‘ A thin cake, I believe, which the priest, by speak- 
ing some words, pretends to turn into the body of 
Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified with others, as 


JUDAH S LION. 


49 


a malefactor, nearly two thousand years ago, and 
whom the Christians call their God. Therefore they 
worship the wafer, or host’ 

Alick made no reply : in reality he was enraged. 
The little he had read of the Scriptures had impressed 
him with high and reverential views of the Creator ; 
and with a feeling approaching to filial appropriation 
of the God of his father Abraham. He had a vivid 
imagination, a conception of the beautiful, and still 
more of the sublime ; and all that Gordon had said 
tended to enlarge his apprehension of the great power 
and majesty of the Most High. His father’s state- 
ment seemed to imply a double profanation, that part 
which concerned the wafer being equally monstrous 
in its absurdity as blasphemous in its impiety : and the 
whole absolutely irritated him against Christianity to 
a degree that surprised himself He recollected hav- 
ing been arrested by a verse addressed to Israel, when 
turning over the leaves of the Bible, which he thought 
bore on this point : and locking himself up, he took 
out the book, and soon found it in Deuteronomy iv. 
He read the chapter with wonder and delight, until 
coming to the twenty-seventh verse, he found, “ And 
the Lord shall scatter you among the nations, and ye 
shall be left few in number among the heathen, 
whither the Lord shall lead you. And there shall ye 
serve gods, the works of men’s hands, wood and stone, 
which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell.” 
Here he started up, and exclaimed aloud, ‘ Never I 
God of Abraham, I never will. Scattered we are, 
and few in number among these heathen, but never 
will I be guilty of such a vile sin ! CaU. a wafer Je* 
5 


50 


Judah's lion. 


novah, and bow down before it ! Why the bare idea 
is enough to bring a judgment upon me. What fools 
these Christians are, to circulate a book that shows 
their wickedness in such a strong light. Only for this 
book, I might have done as they do.’ He read no 
farther, but carefully restoring the volume to its hiding- 
place, he lifted up his hand to heaven, and solemnly 
repeated, ^ I never will !’ 

Next day he went out, with a young military 
officer, and had not proceeded far when they descried 
a procession approaching, more showy than the for- 
mer, with a richly-gilded canopy held aloft. ‘ Here 
comes the host,’ observed the officer : ^ now we must 
be on our good behaviour, and salute it.’ 

‘ I’ll be hanged if I do,’ said Alick. 

‘ Pho, you must : ’tis a necessary piece of civility 
that everybody shows.’ 

‘ I am a Jew ; and I will not disgrace my religion. 

^And I’m a staunch Protestant, and ashamed to 
yield, I confess: but really we must. Or, stay; shall 
we go into this shop, and so avoid it V 

‘ You may,’ replied Alick, quietly. 

The young man misunderstood him ; and supposing 
he would follow, immediately turned into the cigar- 
shop ; and to be further out of the way, walked 
straight on, to the very back: while Alick coolly 
pursued his path along the street, and met the pro- 
cession in a more open space. Every head was un- 
covered ; several poor people knelt ; all showed 
respect to the idolatrous abomination : but like Mon 
decai in the presence of Haman, young Cohen re 
mained erect, and covered. 


Judah’s lion. 


51 


‘Take off your hat!’ shouted the people who had 
congregated there, some in English, some in Italian, 
and various other dialects. ‘You had better take 
your hat ofi^’ whispered a gentleman to Alick, in a 
friendly, persuasive tone. 

‘You had better put yours on,’ was the retort. 

Menaces followed . the host was now just on a line 

with, him ; several hands were raised, and one brawny 

fellow struck the hat from Alick’ s head, who catching 

and instantly replacing it with his left hand, at the 

same moment knocked the assailant down with his 

right, who fell so near the feet of a torch-bearing friar 

as to endanger the upset both of himself and his 

flambeau. Great tumult ensued: and Alick was 

being very roughly handled, when on one side, the 

young military officer, and on the other two or three 

of his late shipmates, ran up, and with the help of 

some bystanders, who in their hearts admired the 

boy’s spirit, succeeded in extricating him without 

further violence. He had however, severely sprained 

his ancle, and was scarcely able to walk back to his 
’ . .1 
quarters, where Mr. Cohen slightly reprimanded his 

illiberal conduct, and secretly congratulated himself 

on being the father of such a fine fellow, who, when 

a little sobered down, would doubtless shine in the 

world. 

Such scenes sometimes occur in Malta, and other 
places where, while naval and military men are com- 
pelled either to violate their pledge of obedience to 
earthly powers and forfeit their commissions, or to 
transgress the law of God by an act of idolatrous 
homage to an accursed thing, — a private Protestant 


52 


judah’s lion. 


is occasionally found sufficiently bold in the faith to 
defy the consequences of refusing it But this was 
the act of a Jew: and it spread through the place 
with numberless additions. 

In the evening, while Alick reclined on a couclq 
for the repose of his bandaged ancle, a lofty person- 
age entered, whose countenance at once proclaimed 
his nation, while his picturesque costume, more Asiatic 
than European, though not altogether so, and the 
beard that with jet black curls almost concealed the 
lower part of his face, struck the youth with mingled 
surprise and curiosity. He looked round for a moment, 
while Mr. Cohen rose with his accustomed politeness, 
and returned his courteous salutation ; then advanc- 
ing to the sofa, he said, in English, but with a very 
foreign accent, ‘ I am a stranger in Malta ; but tell 
me, is this stripling the son of Israel who dared to 
brave the rage of assembled Gentiles rather than 
humble himself before their idol V 

‘Yes, sir,’ answered Alick. ‘I know no God but 
the God of Abraham.’ 

The stately Jew spread his hands over his head, 
pronounced a blessing in the Hebrew tongue, and sat 
down beside him. 


CHAPTER V. 


It has already been noticed that Mr. Cohen’s object 
m Alick’s education, was to fit him for legislatorial 
and other functions of public life, where national 
peculiarities would be laid aside ; or rather his na- 
tionality as a Jew altogether merged in his English 
citizenship. The general state of those among whom 
they principally associated, was that of a money-get- 
ting and money-loving race, who held their own par- 
ticular religion much as the same class among nomi- 
nal Christians do, that is to say, as a mere accident-— 
they happened to be born in such a communion, just 
as they happened to be born when periwigs were out 
of date ; so they neither wore periwigs nor abandoned 
the creed of their fathers. Taking it for granted that 
others held their religious profession by the same loose 
tenure, they were perfectly content to let them retain 
it ; and were far too well-bred to make it a matter of 
animadversion ; far less did any idea of building 
personal objections upon it enter their minds. 

The only instance in which Mr. Cohen felt as a 
Jew, was in reference to his poor brethren, the lower 
class of Hebrews in London ; and many a time did 
he, as a Jew, address them in language of warm re- 
monstrance, and speak of them to others in that of 
severe censure, and almost downright repudiation, 
5 * 


54 


JUDAH^S LION. 


He could see no reason, he said, why a people of 
most unquestionable antiquity, once the glory and 
dread of the whole earth, and still the most wealthy 
of all, should forget their proper position, and sub* 
mit to be classed with the least respectable of those 
among whom they dwelt, their equals or inferiors. 
On this point he was eloquent ; and what was far 
more, he really laboured to reclaim some with whom 
his business brought him into contact, by appealing to 
what he supposed to be their strongest feelings, but in 
vain. Poor Cohen did not know, he would not search 
into the Book and read, that his race was doomed to 
this fate ; that to be a proverb, a by- word, a hissing, 
an astonishment among the nations, was the penalty 
denounced on them for aggravated transgressions, 
until they should turn again to the Lord who smote 
them. Sometimes he was reminded by his more con- 
sistent brethren that their people were scourged for 
their sins, and scattered because of their transgres- 
sions as of old : but this he regarded as a mere ex- 
cuse, unworthy of rational beings ; and persisted in 
believing that an effort on their part would at once 
raise them to a level with their fellow-subjects ; ‘ and 
above the level,’ he added : ‘ for half the ingenuity 
that they now practise, would, if properly directed, 
soon overstep all competitors, and give them the lead 
in every department of honourable industry.’ 

Such language Alick had often heard from his 
father’s lips ; and that he did not immediately forget 
it, was owing to Esther. She would sit in profound 
silence, her head bent over her embroidery or paint 
ing, to conceal from her uncle the varying colour of 


Judah’s lion. 


55 


her cheek, and the displeasure that her frequent frown 
betrayed ; then, when alone with Alick, would give 
vent to expressions that amused him greatly, claiming 
such high honours and privileges for the most de- 
graded subject pf Mr. Cohen’s complaint, that the 
youth would say, ' Well, Esther, I am happy in being 
a Jew, of you would not allow me to loll in my chair 
in your august presence. If all trades fail, I have 
only to mount a greasy heard, and shoulder an old- 
clothes bag, and then instead of falling I shall posi- 
tively rise in your estimation.’ 

It had never yet been Alick’ s lot to meet with one 
among his own people who took the view that Gor- 
don did of their real position ; but there was some- 
thing in his secret mind that responded to it. He 
had begun to think that Christianity — such as it 
appeared in Gordon — was a refined and elevated 
species of Judaism, and under this impression he was 
prepared to read the New Testament with an unpre- 
judiced, inquiring mind : hut the view that he had 
now taken of a system that falsely usurps the name 
of Christianity, and under pretence of honouring the 
Lord, degrades him more effectually than the utmost 
blasphemies of an open enemy can do, made him 
recoil as from the brink of a precipice ; while the 
total absence of sympathy on all sides, was a burden 
to his ingenuous disposition. 

When the strange visiter, whose aspect very much 
prepossessed him, had made some kind enquries into 
the extent of Alick’ s hurt, he returned to Mr. Cohen, 
and asked after the welfare of their brethren in 
England. 


56 


judah’s lion. 


‘ Nothing material has occurred among them/ re- 
plied Ml. Cohen : ‘ but may I ask how long it is since 
you were there ? ’ 

‘ Never : I have not been in England.’ 

* No I you speak the language well.’ 

‘ I have been much used to traffic with Europeans, 
and learned many languages : English among theriL’ 
Then turning to Alick, he said, ‘ Thou hast been well 
taught, my son, in the law of our holy commandments, 
abhorring the idolater. Cursed be he !’ 

Alick heartily assented ; but his father frowned. 
‘ Where he has been taught I know not : no such les- 
son of illiberality, no such bigotry and intolerance, can 
have been learned under my roof They are wholly 
subversive of good citizenship, and can only tend to 
bar his advancement’ 

The visiter gazed at him in evident perplexity ; but 
whether the sentiment utterred surprised him, or the 
language that conveyed it baffled his limited compre- 
hension, was not clear. Before any further remark 
could be made, a servant entered to place in his mas- 
ter’s hand a card inscribed with the name of one 
whom he knew to be a convert, and a zealous mission- 
ary among the Jews, and who requested to see the 
young gentleman. 

^ Show him in,’ said Mr. Cohen, in any tone but 
that of satisfaction ; and then muttered, as he turned 
on his heel, ‘ Upon my word, this boy’s folly will bring 
upon us all the fanatics in Malta !’ 

The missionary entered, and with that frank un- 
ceremonious manner that defies repulse, walked up to 


JUDAH S LION. 


57 


the couch, saying as he extended his hand, ‘ My young 
friend, you have done well to-day.’ 

^ That, sir,’ said Mr. Cohen, who began to feel that 
his authority was likely to he set aside, ‘ may admit 
of a question. I consider that he has done ill.’ 

^ Are you his father V 

‘Yes, I am.’ 

‘ Are you a Jew?’ 

‘ Yes.’ 

‘What is written in the law of Moses, concern- 
ing the maker of an image, and the worshipper 
thereof?’ 

‘ A great deal, no doubt, that it is necessary for the 
teachers of the law to be well acquainted with ; but 
with which a school-boy has nothing to do.’ 

‘ True,’ said the first comer, who had regarded the 
missionary from his entrance with an unfriendly eye, 
‘True; for it is written in the Hilehoth Talmud 
Torah, “ Women, and slaves, and children, are exempt 
from the study of the law.” ’ 

The missionary smiled, and laying his hand on the 
Jew’s shoulder, said, ‘ My worthy Josef Ben-Melchor, 
you with your Talmud are as far astray from the law 
of Moses as the poor Papist with his wafer-god is 
from the gospel of Christ’ Then addressing Mr. Co- 
hen, he added, ‘Hear, brother, what Jehovah 'saith: 
“ These words which I command thee this day shall 
be in thine heart : and thou shalt teach them diligently 
unto thy children, and thou shalt talk of them when 
thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by 
the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou 
risest up.” To our fathers were these words addressed, 


58 


jtjdah’s lion. 


and our fathers heard, and obeyed, and it was well 
with them. But after a while they forgat: they 
ceased to treasure in their hearts the commandment 
given ; they taught it no longer to their children, 
neither spake they of it when sitting in the house, or 
when walking by the way ; when lying down or rising 
up. The word was put away from their remembrance, 
so that when crafty men crept into Moses’ seat, they 
found it easy to twist and corrupt the divine law, add- 
ing thereto many inventions and idle devices of their 
own until they had actually made void the law with 
their traditions ; and Rabbinical corruptions prevailed 
over the inspired teaching of Moses the man of God. 
And what followed ? They had quenched the lamp 
of their feet, the written word was set aside, and when 
the living Word, even the Bread of life, even the 
Lord from heaven, came, him they crucified and slew. 
Ay, Josef Ben-Melchor, it was your Talmud, your 
oral laws, your vain superstitions received from your 
fathers, that brought on our people blindness of heart, 
till they sinned that great sin which caused our city 
to he destroyed, and the sword to be drawn out after 
us. And His anger is not turned away, hut His hand 
is stretched forth still!’ 

The missionary spoke with the look and action of 
a man whose heart goes along with every word he 
utters. To interrupt would have been nearly impos- 
sible ; it was a burst of feeling not to be stayed in its 
course. Mr. Cohen heard impatiently. Alick with 
eager attention, and Josef with ill suppressed rage. 
His dark eye assumed an expression of fierce displea- 
sure, his brows were knit, and his lip trembled. When 


Judah’s lion. 


59 


the missionary concluded, he said, in a deep hoarse 
tone, far unlike that in which he had before spoken, 
‘ The curse of the wicked be upon thee. Dog ! Thou 
hast sold thyself to the evil one ; thou hast committed 
the idolatry that this young boy’s spirit could not suf* 
fer, and therefore he is wounded and sick. Thou 
pratest of Moses, blessed be he ! and the Holy One, 
to whom be praise ! while a crust of bread is thy god, 
and thy honour is to that which thou eatest. Away, 
Dog!’ 

‘ It is untrue,’ said the missionary with indignant 
warmth, ^ I abhor the idolatrous abomination, and I 
would that the same heart were in us all, that moved 
this young Israelite to scorn the deceitful aspect of re- 
verence for that which we alike condemn. You call 
me dog, brother Josef 

Here Mr. Cohen gladly availed himself of the ri- 
sing colour in his son’s cheeks, and pointed out to the 
disputants what he termed a symptom of fever ; and 
then he civilly, but very decisively, requested that 
they would adjourn their debate to some place where 
no invalid was likely to occasion such an interruption 
as he was sorry now to give. Josef rose, and again 
spread his hands over Alick, pronouncing another 
Hebrew blessing, to which the missionary in the same 
language added an Amen. He had not been seated : 
and now, standing at a little distance, he gazed on 
the youth with affectionate interest for a moment, 
then raising his hands and eyes prayed that he might 
be preserved from every snare, and led into the fold 
of the Shepherd of Israel, there to rejoice for ever- 
more. Ben-Melchor the while was speaking in a low 


60 


Judah’s lion. 


earnest voice to Mr. Cohen, who bowed and thanked 
him with cold politeness ; and stepping to the door, 
after touching the bell, continued to bow out both his 
guests, on whose departure he flung himself into a 
chair exceedingly irritated, but unwilling to vent it on 
Alick ; who after a short pause, said ‘ Don’t be un- 
easy about me. Papa : I assure you I am not feverish 
in the least : if I reddened, it was from an inchnation 
to laugh at hearing how our new friend be-dogged 
the other gentleman.’ ‘ It was perfectly disgusting, 
Alick,’ said his father : ‘ and I am glad you view 
them all with the contempt they merit. I hope too 
that a sense of the impropriety of your own conduct 
may be awakened, now that you perceive by what 
class of men it is applauded. At your age, a lad will 
sometimes get into mischief, and signalize himself in 
a row ; but never let it be on the score of religion : 
nothing lowers a gentleman so much in the eyes of 
the world. Be as decided as you please in your 
private opinions on such matters, but keep them to 
yourself : when they cease to be private you lose your 
caste in society, and are numbered with bigots and 
fools.’ 

Alick smiled : for he was then acting such a part, 
though not exactly in the way his father meant him 
to do. Every thing that passed added to his anxiety 
for a fuU insight into the very subject that he was ad- 
vised to keep clear of: and he had made up his mind 
to discover the truth for the purpose of openly declar 
ing and maintaining it. ‘ Somebody must be right,’ 
thought he, ^ and all the rest wrong. If ours is the 
true religion, — and that I am sure it is, — we ought 


JUDAH S LION. 


61 


not to be the most oppressed and degi*aded people in 
the world: and that I’ll prove by and by, to Jew and 
Gentile. If dear old England is so far identified with 
us as to bear our Lion in her arms, and to favour us 
as she does, I’ll stir up the English to help us in re- 
covering our own land. If,’ , here he paused, 

and became agitated, and then muttered in a more 
hasty way; ^ No, no: he can’t have come : our Mes- 
siah put to death by the Gentiles — impossible ! and 
by the Jews, mpre impossible still. Some devilish 
sort of craft must be in Gordon and that missionary, 
to conceal and deny their worship of the wafer, when 
this young fellow told me, and I myself saw, that 
every Christian took off his hat to it. I get so per- 
plexed when I think of the Christians ! I’ll stick to 
my own people, and read the Books of Moses only. 
But then how could the Jew be right, who said, 
^ Women and children and slaves should not study 
the law ?” What the other quoted was certainly from 
the Pentateuch, for I remember dipping into it. How- 
ever, I’m neither woman, child, nor slave, and study 
it I will, for I never feel clear on any of those points 
except when I’m reading. To-morrow or next day I 
will try to find out the rnissionary, and see how far he 
and Gordon agree : and also what he knows about the 
Lion.’ 

The next day, however, wholly changed Alick’s 
plans : Mr. Cohen, dreading lest the notoriety that his 
protest had led to should entangle his son farther in 
polemics, went privately and ascertained that a light 
vessel was to sail on the morrow for Smyrna, in which, 
though it was far out of his projected route, he resolved 
6 


62 


judah’s lion. 


to proceed. The small quantity of luggage which he 
resolved to take from on board ship, was easily ob- 
tained j an apology tendered to and accepted by the 
Captain, who was on shore ; and Alick to his great 
surprise, learned at the hreakfast-tahle that they 
would embark at noon. The glee with which he 
received the tidings pleased his father, and nothing 
interfered with their respective wishes, until they were 
fairly settled in the new berth. The vessel was 
small, and presented, to he sure, a marked contrast to 
the noble ship of war ; the only good cabin was occu- 
pied by a lady, who, the master informed them, was 
European ; and their sleeping accommodations were 
exceedingly bad. This gave little concern to either 
of the Cohens, the elder being intent on his son’s 
rescue ; and the younger bent on experiencing all 
possible variety of adventures, of which this little 
bark, with its motley crew, promised him a good speci- 
men. In Malta he had no wish to remain, being fully 
determined to make no concession whatever to idola- 
try, and yet unwilling to vex his father as he must 
needs do. 

All was ready, sails set, the anchor weighed, and 
the vessel beginning to work her way, when she was 
hailed to take in another passenger, who presently 
arrived in a boat, and after short parley, in Italian, 
mounted the deck. Great was Mr. Cohen’s dismay 
at scrutinizing at once the voice and the features of 
Josef Ben-Melchor : but at the same time a qualmish 
feeling came over him, occasioned by the motion of 
the vessel, which contrived to roll unsteadily even on 
the smooth surface of that beautiful sea j and he was 


Judah’s lion. 


63 


glad to retire to his narrow berth, leaving Alick to 
receive and return the cordial greeting of the Jew. 

On the first day of their voyage, nothing material 
passed : each was fully occupied in contriving to make 
himself tolerably comfortable : and Alick soon ascer- 
tained that to houviac on deck would be infinitely 
preferable to any other mode of taking rest. The 
lady did not show herself, though he directed sundry 
inquisitive looks towards her little cabin, as he passed 
it to visit his father : but early the next morning it was 
ajar, and a round face, adorned with short close 
auburn curls, and two very bright hazle eyes, peeped 
out upon him. Alick was fond of children : he had a 
httle brother at home, and with involuntary eager- 
ness at the sight of such a pretty playmate he said, 
‘ Will you come on deck V 

The rosy face disappeared: he supposed it was 
from alarm at hearing a strange language : but be 
fore he could leave the spot, he was delighted by the 
sound of a lusty little voice shouting out, ^ Mamma, 
may I go on deck?’ 

^ With whom, my love ?’ returned a very pleasing 
female voice. 

^ With me, ma’am,’ said Alick, putting his mouth 
close to the door ; ^ an English traveller : and I’ll 
take good care of him.’ 

There was a momentary hustle inside, and then the 
door half opened, and a lady appeared, clad in a 
wrapping-gown and morning cap, her hair combed 
back from a very fine, open brow, and with much good 
humour depicted on a very fair countenance. On 
seeing Alick, she smiled, and remarked, ‘ My little 


64 


JUDAH'S LION. 


boy is very giddy : will it not tax your kindness too fai 
to take such care of him as he requires?’ 

‘ Oh, no, ma’am : I am quite a nursery-maid, I as- 
sure you, and celebrated for taking care of such people 
as my little friend there. I promise you to bring him 
back perfectly safe.’ 

‘ The Lord permitting,’ added the Lady, with a 
more serious look. ^ Well, Charley, since the young 
gentleman is so kind, you shall go : but be very heed- 
ful — don’t leave him for a moment’ She kissed the 
little fellow — ejaculating, ‘ God preserve my dear 
boy !’ and then holding out her hand to Alick, thanked 
him, and closed the door. 

His prize was soon carried on deck : and Alick be- 
gan, ^ So Charley, you’re an Englishman, after all.’ 

^ No, I ain’t: I’m an Irishman.’ 

‘ Oh, its the same thing: where do you come from?’ 

‘ Out of Ireland, and Malta, and Alexandria, and 
London, and all sorts of places. Papa is out there, 
where 

‘ The Cedars wave on Lebanon, 

But Judah’s statelier maids are gone.’ 

He sang, or rather chaunted the two lines, and 
Ahck felt such a rush of emotion through his frame 
as he could not account for. He pressed the child to 
his side, and asked, ^ What is Papa doing ?’ 

‘ He is looking after the Jews — do you love the 
Jews ?’ 

^ Yes.’ 

‘ I’m glad of that. Do you know any Jews ?’ 

‘ Oh, lots and lots.’ 


JUDAH’S LION. 


65 


‘ Do you ever tell them about the Messiah, the 
Lord Jesus Christ?’ 

Alick was silent:^ and the little boy seizing him by 
the button on each side his jacket, pulled him to and 
fro, saying, ‘ Do you? Do you? And if you don’t, 
why don’t you?’ 

Alick was really confused : but at last said, “ I am 
a Jew myself, and I have nothing to do with Jesus 
Christ’ 

The boy loosed his hold, stepped back a pace, and 
with a look full of sorrow and rebuke said, ^ Then 
you will never go to heaven.’ 

A movement of the vessel made him stagger, and 
Alick catching him, set him on his knee, and half 
provoked, said, ‘ How do you know that ? what busi- 
ness have you to shut me out of heaven?’ 

‘ I can’t, for I haven’t got the key; but Jesus Christ 
has : and it is he will let you in, or shut you out’ 

‘ That is not true, Charley : God has the key.’ 

^ I know it: and Jesus is God.’ 

The young Jew shuddered as he looked at the little 
blasphemer, as he considered him: but Charley’s arm 
was round his neck, and his bright face turned to him 
with so much love, that he could not help stroking it 
as he said, ‘ My little lad, you are too young to med- 
dle with these things yet’ 

^ Am I too young to die, Mr. Jew ?’ 

‘ Why, no.’ 

‘ And if I die, mustn’t I wish to go to heaven ? and 
how can I get in without knowing who keeps the key, 
thflt I may ask him to open the door ?’ 

6 ^ 


66 


judah’s lion. 


‘ Well, I don’t believe that he of whom you talk is 
in heaven at all.’ 

‘Don’t you, don’t you? Oh dear! I wish I had 
my Testament here : I’d soon show you.’ 

‘ Can you read?’ 

‘ Read I why I’m near six : I could read at four.’ 

‘ Well, Charley, I’U try you. Here’s a Bible,’ 
cautiously drawing it forth from his breast-pocket, 
‘ and now read me something to prove that Jesus 
Christ is in heaven.’ 

Charley tumbled the leaves over in great haste, and 
came to the book of Revelation, when he read the 
sublime words in the first chapter ; “ And he laid his 
right hand on me, saying. Fear not, l am he that liveth 
and was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, 
and have the keys of death and of hell. Amen.’ ” 
Then turning to the fifth chapter, he went on, — ‘ and 
look here, Mr. Jew, what a beautiful thing is here : 
“ And I wept much because no man was found worthy 
to open and to read the book, neither to look there- 
on. And one of the Elders said unto me. Weep not; 
Behold, the Lion of the' tribe of Judah, the root of 
David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose 
the seven seals thereof And I beheld, and lo, in the 

midst of the throne,” ’ At this moment Alick, who 

with breathless eagerness was listening to words so 
unexpectedly startling to him, caught a glimpse of 
Ben-Melchor, and shutting the book, thrust it into his 
bosom again, saying, ‘ Hush, hush, dear Charley, for 
the present. We will read all the rest by and by: 
say nothing more now: and don’t call me Mr. Jew 


JUDAH S LION. 


67 


but Alick Cohen. Not that I’m ashamed of being a 
Jew.’ 

‘ How would any body be ashamed of being one of 
God’s own dear Israel?’ said Charley, with surprise. 
Alick kissed him, and again enjoined silence. He 
heartily wished Josef in Malta, but received his greet- 
ing very courteously, and gave a good report of his 
ancle, after which the Jew kindly enquired, with some 
severe reflections on the Christian idolaters, who in- 
flicted the injury. Charley seemed disposed to 
speak ; but another ship passing, Alick directed his 
attention to it, and after a little more talk with the 
prejudiced Ben-Melchor, he carried Charley back to 
his mother, and promised to call for him again in the 
afternoon. 

Nothing had ever before so touched him as this 
little child’s conversation. The youth of his teacher 
threw him completely off his guard : and he longed 
to read the Bible with him : to see that little, dim- 
pled finger pointing along the lines as he read, and 
resting under words that most forcibly conveyed his 
meaning: to hear the lisping tongue confessing and 
glorifying Him who had been referred to by the Gun- 
ner, and now seemed clearly set forth as the Lion of 
the tribe of Judah. Alick’ s heart was deeply engaged 
in the work: and without being aware of it himjclf 
he was following on to know the Lord, 


CHAPTER VI. 


When the hour arrived for again summoning 
Charley on deck, Alick Cohen felt a little shy of ap- 
proaching the cabin door ; anticipating from the mo- 
ther something in the way of instruction, which he was 
better inclined to seek, or rather to accept, from the 
child. Tn this way he was mistaken : Mrs. Ryan was 
gifted with that rare wisdom which can discriminate 
in the matter of spiritual teaching, and rightly judge 
what particular mode will best suit the character of 
^e individual. She had listened with wonder and de* 
hght to Charley’s relation of what had passed, ending 
with the discovery made by the shrewd little fellow 
from Ben-Melchor’s conversation, that Alick was the 
bold protester whose Maltese adventure was already 
well known. From the latter circumstance she rightly 
gathered that young Cohen was of a manly, deter- 
mined, and very independent turn ; and that he would 
probably not relish the idea of female dictation. Ac- 
cordingly she resolved to leave the matter as it stood, 
earnestly praying that her little son might be made a 
partaker in the blessedness of conveying a blessing to 
one of God’s peculiar people. 

She could not, however, v'^onceal from Alick the 
affectionate interest thus excited in her mind ; there 
was a cordiality of manner so marked, a tenderness 


Judah’s lion. 


69 


so maternal in the look with which she regarded him, 
when he presented himself at the door, which Charley 
flung wide open at his first approach, that Alick, who 
had been much petted at home, could not resist its 
influence. With the frankness of a school-boy, and 
the politeness of a gentleman, he said, “ Will you 
allow me the pleasure, ma’am, of escorting you also 
on deck? you would find it refreshing, and perfectly 
safe. Besides, we are likely to come within view 
of Cape Matapan before night, and you will like to 
take a look at the southernmost point of Europe, I 
dare say.’ 

^ Thank you, Mr. Cohen ; but this evening I must 
devote to finishing some papers that my dear husband 
wished me to transcribe. To-morrow, if I may then 
plead your present kind willingness to take charge of 
us both, I shall greatly enjoy going on deck.’ 

‘ Could I be of any use to you, ma’am, in the wri- 
ting way ? I am terribly idle ; and it really is a cha- 
ritable act to give me something to do.’ 

Mrs. Ryan smiled : ^ Come in, and I will tax youi 
ingenuity to help me out of a dilemma.’ 

With great alacrity Alick obeyed ; and she showed 
him her writing desk, completely set fast by the 
wrenching of a hinge, so that she could not open it 
beyond a few inches. ^ Oh, carpentering is as great 
a hobby to me as nursing : so, Charley, just reach me 
me that chisel’ The desk was righted in a very 
short time, and the amateur carpenter seated himself, 
saying, ^ Now, ma’am, by way of a remuneration, will 
you be pleased to tell me something I am very curious 
to know.’ 


70 


JUDAH S LION. 


^ Surely : that is, if I am better informed myself' 

‘ Why, then, I happened to get a peep just no^^ 
into the captain’s cabin ; and there, to my surprise, 1 
saw what my friend Charley would call an ugly over- 
dressed little doll, with a lamp before it, though the 
sun shone brightly on its tinselled petticoats. Now, 
as I know there are no children on board except this 
young gentleman, I am puzzled ; and half afraid we 
are under the command of a* person not right in hk 
mind.’ 

Mrs. Ryan coloured very deeply, and before she 
could speak, Charley cried out, ‘ Oh, that ugly doll is 
the Virgin Mary.’ 

^ Hush, hush, my love, not so loud,’ said his mo- 
ther. ^ Unhappily, Mr. Cohen, your surmise is so 
far correct that the captain, and probably all his crew, 
are possessed with the spiritual madness of idol-wor- 
ship. Did you not see something of it in Malta.’ 

‘Yes, but not like this,’ replied Alick, his counte- 
nance becoming overcast as his recent perplexities 
about Christianity suddenly recurred to mind. ‘ I 
was knocked down in Malta the other day for not 
taking off my hat to a hit of biscuit ; and if they re- 
quire me to show any respect to the doll, I am in 
a fair way of being knocked overboard ; for do it I 
won’t’ 

Charley laughed, and rubbing his hands : ‘ That’s 
right, Mr. Alfred; we are Protestant boys, ain’t we 
mamma ?’ 

Say Alick, not Alfred, rny lad : or I shall suffer 
martyrdom under a wrong name.’ 

Mrs. Ryan looked sad : ‘ Martyrdom has indeed 


Judah’s lion. 


71 


been the lot of many and many a one who, like you, 
protested against these fearful idolatries ; hut who 
shall find grace to be a martyr in the spirit of Him 
through whom alone we can conquer not only the fear 
of temporal, but the power of eternal death V 

‘ Well, ma’am, at any rate I am glad we agree in 
detesting these things. Now, shall I take Charley 
on deck ? remembering that you are to be of our party 
to-morrow.’ 

After many thanks, he was allowed to depart, and 
Charley, who seemed in riotous spirits, amused him 
so much that he soon forgot his vexation, for such it 
really was. He exceedingly liked Mrs. Ryan, and 
wished to be sociable ; but this idol- worship among 

Christians was a continual check on his warm feel- 

• 

ings. He hated it with a Jewish hatred, grounded 
on his apprehension of the divine Being, as set forth 
in the writings of Moses ; and he could not believe 
that two parties professing the same faith, really dif- 
fered so irreconcileably on the most vital point as he 
found the Romanists and Protestants seemed to do. 
He resolved to pump Charley to the utmost ; but the 
little boy, like all children, had his frolicsome moods ; 
but what with his droll remarks, enriched by a pretty 
brogue, his innocent questions about all that he saw, 
and the romping play that required no small atten- 
tion to keep him from danger, he put any serious dis- 
course out of the question. Alick, too, was both boy- 
ish and light-hearted ; so the whole time would have 
been lost, had not the appearance of Josef Ben-Mel- 
chor with his face turned towards Jerusalem and 


72 


JUDAH S LION. 


evidently praying in that directionj recalled the old 
train of thought too forcibly to be repressed. 

‘ Charley, Charley,’ cried Alick, as the Jew moved 
off, ‘ come here ; be quiet, do, for a moment, and tell 
me again those two lines you repeated in the morning.’ 

‘ What two lines ?’ 

‘ About the cedars waving on Lebanon.’ 

The right chord was touched ; Charley sprang on 
his knee, threw his arm, as before, round his neck, 
and shaking his head from side to side, as he sorrow- 
fully looked in his friend’s face, slowly chanted 
* The Cedars wave on Lebanon, 

But Judah’s statelier maids are gone.’ 

‘ Where did you learn that, Charley ?’ 

. ‘ I’ll tell you. There was a meeting for the Jews, 
you know, in Cork, and so we went to it. Papa was 
making a speech, and he said those lines, and some 
more to them ; and some ladies cried ; and I thought 
them so pretty, I asked papa to teach them to me. I 
was but a little thing then,’ added Charley, with an 
important look, ‘and didn’t know much: so papa 
talked a deal to me about the Jews ; and ever since 
I have been studying, that I might be a missionary tc 
the poor dear Jews.’ 

‘ And how long ago was that, Mr. Missionary ?’ 

‘ A great long time ; almost a year. Papa and 
mamma were abroad before that ; and now they are 
abroad again, and I too.’ 

‘ Is your papa a clergyman ?’ 

‘ Oh, no ; he is a half-pay officer.’ 

‘'How odd !’ thought Alick. ‘ Here’s an officer go- 
ing out to look after us, and a six-year old, by way of , 


JUDAH S LION. 


73 


a missionary, to preach to us. Well, Charley, can 
you repeat any more lines?’ 

^ Not all. Mamma says a bad man wrote them, 
and she would rather I learned a hymn : but I’ll tell 
you the last verse — it is so sad, and so pretty!’ And 
then with a wild sort of pathos he recited it : — 

But we must wander witheringly, 

In other lands to die ; 

And where our fathers’ ashes be 
Our own must never lie ; 

Our temple hath not left a stone ; 

And mockery stands on Salem’s throne !’ 

‘ Pho ! pho !’ said Alick, hastily turning his head 
away, as if to deny to himself that the tear which 
was ready to start could have been called up by a few 
lines of poetry repeated by a child. 

^ Why then, Mr. Alick, its a shame of you to say 
pho I pho! and you a Jew. Ah! but it’s all truth, 
for the Lord Jesus said they would not leave one stone 
upon another in the temple that shouldn’t be thrown 
down; and down they all came; and Jerusalem, — 
and — and — oh, the wicked cruel Turks do mock the 
poor Jews, when they go on a Friday to sit and weep 
under a broken bit of the old wall ; so that’s mockery 
on Salem’s throne, isn’t it ?’ 

‘ What fairy-tale have you been reading V 

‘ I never read fairy-tales : the poor Papists at home 
believe in fairies, but I know better.’ 

‘ Perhaps the Captain’s doll is a fairy, Charles?’ 

‘ No, it’s the Virgin Mary — they call her the mother 
of God.’ 

* They Lie 1’ exclaimed Ahck, vehemently, 

7 


74 


judah's lion. 


‘ So they do : she wasn’t the mother of God, how 
could she be ? she was the mother of Jesus.’ 

‘ Yet you said in the morning that Jesus was God.* 

‘ He is God, and he is man,’ said Charles, firmly : 
‘ and Mary was his mother when he was made man : 
but as God, he could not have a mother.’ 

‘ Well, I do wonder to hear such a slip of a boy 
talk like an old bishop in a wig.’ 

‘ I was taught it, Mr. Alick, as soon as I could 
think at all ; for, you see, there’s lots of Popery at our 
place, near Cork j and papa and mamma always talk 
to the poor people about their foolish religion ; so I 
heard it every day almost, and I must be stupid in- 
deed not to know it before now.’ 

Here there was a pause. Charley had become as 
grave and as intellectual looking as ever, and seemed 
perfectly ready for any discussion ; but Alick knew 
not what to say to him. All on a sudden he saw his 
father’s head emerging from below, as he slowly as- 
cended the ladder ; so after an exclamation of surprise, 
he whispered to Charley, in a very decided tone, 
‘ Now don’t say one single word about any of these 
things before that gentleman — my father — or you will 
make him very angry ; and then perhaps I shan’t 
play with you any more.’ 

W^ondering, and half-frightened, the little boy looked 
up, expecting to see a very alarming person ; but Mr. 
Cohen, delighted to find his son in such safe company, 
smiled on him, patted his head, and began to talk 
veiy pleasantly to him, while Alick admired his dis- 
creet replies, when questioned about his parents, his 


JUDAH S LION. 


75 


destination, and so forth. ‘We must show some at- 
tention to his mother,’ said Mr. Cohen. 

Alick assented ; related the adventure of the desk, 
and then led to other topics. 

When night closed, and he was alone, on his tem- 
porary couch, looking up to the cloudless sky with its 
myriad lamps, he recalled the events of the day, and 
regretted the unsatisfactory close of his conversations 
with little Charley. He thought again and again of 
the sealed book, that none could open hut the Lion 
of the tribe of Judah ; and heartily did he wish for 
the lamp that was so idly flaming before the Cap- 
tain’s idol. Suddenly, he recollected that the strict 
rules of a man-of-war did not apply to such vessels as 
the one he was in ; and going to the helmsman he 
inquired in Italian, if he might have the use of a light. 
He was directed where to find a lantern, and securing 
it to the ship’s side against which he lay, he opened 
at the hook of Revelation, and read the first five 
chapters ; than which the whole Bible does not con- 
tain a more awakening, encouraging, instructive por- 
tion. Its unmea.sured sublimity enraptured him : he 
did not, he would not admit it as of divine authority, 
and had the book been his own, he would gladly have 
it torn from between the covers that enclosed the 
writings of Moses and the Prophets ; but though the 
word, not being mixed with faith, did not then profit 
him savingly, it impressed him more than any thing 
he had ever before read. He was much struck by the 
expression, “ He that is holy, he that is true ; he that 
hath the key of David ; he that openeth, and no man 
shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth.” It 


76 


jtjdah’s lion. 


was evident to Alick that this passage fully sanctioned 
little Charley’s doctrine of the key of heaven, even 
more than the text the child had referred to in the 
first chapter. The very wrong translation into 
“ beasts ” in the fourth chapter, of what should be 
rendered living creatures,” perplexed him ; but the 
fifth almost conquered his unbelief, so strongly did he 
feel impelled to join in the ascription of praise to “ the 
Lion of the tribe of Judah,” the “ Lamb as it had 
been slain.” Again and again he read that chapter; 
then, pressing the closed book to his forehead as he 
laid himself down, he mentally said, ^ If I could fan- 
cy, like Gordon, that all these things are true, and 
that they concerned me, how little should I care 
which way the world went with me ! If, like Char- 
ley, I was sure that I had a friend in him who keeps 
the key to all these glorious sights and sounds, it 
would be a small matter by what sort of a road I was 
proceeding towards such a home. Well; every part 
of this book that I have read lulls me like soft music ; 
and I’ll read it oftener, particularly at night’ He 
soon slept, and his first waking thought was of the 
promised visit of Mrs. Ryan on deck. 

Mr. Cohen felt unwell ; the sea never agreed with 
him — and Alick had his friends to himself He found 
the lady had been a traveller, as Charley had told 
him before ; and in that quarter too ; and from her 
he gained a good deal of information respecting the 
places he was about to visit At length, Jerusalem 
was named, and he inquired whether she had been 
there. 

‘ I have not ; but my husband has twice, 1 do 


Judah’s lion. 


77 


' umbly hope in the spirit of his hlessed Master, “be- 
held the city, and wept over it.” Jerusalem is indeed 
a desolation, and Zion trodden under foot.’ 

‘ Pardon me, but may I ask to whom you alluded 
as being Captain Ryan’s master? ’ 

The lady and her child both answered in the same 
breath, ^ Jesus Christ.’ 

‘ Did he weep over Jerusalem ? why ? surely it was 
not desolate in his time.’ 

Here was a leading question from a Jew ! Mrs. 
Ryan closed her eyes, and her lip moved in secret 
prayer ; but before she could speak, Charley thrust 
his hand into the little pocket of his stuff frock-coat, 
and with great bustle drew out a small Testament, 
saying, ^ I’ll show you why he wept, and what he 
said.’ 

^ What is that little book ?’ 

‘ The New Testament : it’s the same you have got 
in your Bible.’ 

‘ They ought never to be separate,’ observed Mrs. 
Ryan ; while Alick, in his heart, thought they should 
never have been joined together. Charley soon found 
the words his mother had referred to, “ And when he 
was come near, he beheld the city and wept over it. 
saying. If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this 
thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace ! but 
now they are hid from thine eyes. F or the days shall 
come upon thee that thine enemies shall cast a trench 
about thee, and compass thee in on every side, and 
shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children 
within thee ] and they shall not leave in thee on« - 
7 * 


78 


JUDAH S LION. 


stone upon another ; because thou knewest not the 
time of thy visitation ” 

Alick had spontaneously taken the little fellow on 
his knee, as soon as he opened the hook ; and while 
Charley read aloud and pointed as usual, along the 
lines, he closely marked every letter of every word. 
Mrs. Ryan gazed on them, as well she might ; for it 
was a lovely spectacle. The child’s soft, rosy cheek 
almost rested on the dark clear olive of his com- 
panion’s ; the golden locks shone as they mingled 
with Alick’ s raven clusters 5 and when, at the close 
of the passage, Charley raised his eyes, of the mildest 
hazel, yet remarkably strong and bold in their expres- 
sion, to meet the keen, eagle-gaze of the young Jew, 
whose jet black eyes sparkled with eagerness to gather 
all the information his little teacher could impart, her 
heart yearned over them, and she inwardly pleaded 
with the King of the Jews that immutable word, re- 
specting his loved, but wandering Israel, “ Even so 
have these also now not believed, that through your 
mercy they also may obtain mercy” She recalled 
the hour when the little one, resting on his father’s 
knee, had made his first request to be brought up, ‘ a 
Missionary to the Jews she remembered that to 
deepen the feelings of his young heart towards Israel, 
they had decided on making him the companion of 
their present voluntary labour in that glorious cause : 
and she owned, in the depth of a grateful heart, that 
her babe was at that moment exercising the office to 
which they had looked forward on his behalf through 
a long vista of years. 

‘You see, Mr. Alick,’ said Charley, “what the 


Judah's lion. 


79 


Lord said : and that was ever so many years before 
the wicked Romans destroyed Jerusalem, and every 
word came true.’ 

‘ It certainly did,’ answered Alick : ^ and if really 
spoken before the event, it was a remarkable pro- 
phecy. But now, Charley, I’ll puzzle you. You told 
me this Jesus was God : if so, he had power to prevent 
the ruin of our city ; and if he had the will to prevent 
it, why did he not ? and if he did not choose to hinder 
its destruction, why did he weep about it?’ 

Charley looked sadly at a loss : and Alick smiled 
at his supposed easy victory. Stroking the child’s face, 
he was going to say something playful, but Charley 
hastily said, ‘ No, no, don’t laugh. I know that it is 
all true ; but ask Mamma, and she will tell you how 
it is all true.’ 

Alick looked at Mrs. Ryan, who remarked, ^ I will 
refer Mr. Cohen to the Prophets for a solution of the 
difficulty, if he has his Bible here ;’ and he produced 
it immediately. She showed him first Ezekiel xxxiii. 
10, 1 1. “ Therefore, O thou Son of Man, speak unto 

the house of Israel,, thus ye speak, saying. If our trans- 
gressions and our sins he upon us, and we pine away 
in them, how should we then live ? Say unto them, 
as I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in 
the death of the wicked ; but that the wicked turn 
from his way and live : Turn ye, turn ye from your 
evil ways ; for why will ye die, O house of Israel ?” 
Then turning to Luke xiii. 34, she made him read, 
‘‘ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, 
and stonest them that are sent unto thee ; how often 
would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen 


80 


judah’s lion. 


doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would 
not ! Behold your house is left unto you desolate : 
and verily I say unto you, you shall not see me, until 
the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that 
cometh in the name of the Lord.” When he con* 
eluded, she asked, > Do you not perceive an agreement 
between the various passages we have looked at V 
‘ Why, yes, I do. Here is a declaration that God 
is unwilling the house of Israel should die ; and to 
prevent it, he bids them turn from their evil ways — 
I suppose because justice required their punishment 
if they did not. Then, in the other place, we find 
one, who according to you is God, lamenting that 
they had finally refused to obey his call. So the 
punishment, I suppose, was inevitable.’ 

^ And would not he, who had implored them to 
turn that they might live, be grieved that they had, 
byrefusing to the last, compelled him to smite them?’ 

Alick was silent : pride, equally with unbelief, was 
striving against the humbling truth ; but Mrs. Ryan 
saw him slyly turning down the edges of the leaves at 
the different passages, and rejoiced to think he would 
study them when alone. At last he spoke : 

^ Pray don’t think me rude, or ungrateful for your 
kind wish to teach me: but I cannot see these things 
as you do, and I won’t be a hypocrite.’ 

^ You must pray,’ said Charley, ‘and say as king 
David did, “ Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold 
wondrous things out of thy law.” ’ 

‘ How do you know that king David said so ?’ 

‘ Here it is. Psalm cxix. 18 ;’ and Alick marked 
that also. 


Judah’s lion 


81 


The sun was now near setting, and some little stir 
was made on deck, which attracted their attention : 
the captain took the helm ; the crew gathered round, 
one man being employed in mending a sail, others 
picking oakum, splicing a rope, and such like inci- 
dental occupations, or leaning on the ship’s side j 
while two cabin-boys placed themselves at a little 
distance. All at once they broke out into a beautiful 
chaunt, the deep mellow bass of the men being 
answered by the sweet soprano of the two boys ; and 
altogether the effect was equally fine as unexpected. 
Alick, who delighted in music, would have listened 
with unmixed pleasure, had not the expression of Mrs. 
Ryan’s countenance informed him that she was 
greatly pained: he attended to catch the words, 
which were Latin ; and quickly made out their pur- 
port. It was the Litany of Loretto. 

Happily, perhaps, for Alick, his father had been 
attracted by those harmonious sounds, and came on 
deck just as his passion was rising. He at once saw 
the danger of provoking any rebuke, as Mrs. Ryan 
would surely take part with him, and so lead to ano- 
ther prohibition. He therefore turned to the sea, 
leaning over the bulwarks, where he sat, and feasting 
his eyes on the glorious splendors of a Mediterranean 
sunset. The lofty sky, unblemished by a single cloud ; 
the bright orb sinking to rest in its majestic beauty ; 
the sparkling sea, strewn as it were with diamonds 
on a surface of the purest blue ; and far distant, some 
dark rocky outlines just varying the horizontal line ; 
while vessels, like white sea-birds, gleamed here and 
there to give life to all the loveliness around them — 


82 


JUDAH^S LICN. 


this was the view, calculated to fill his heart with 
high imaginations of the divine power, if not with 
thankful acknowledgments of divine love, while de- 
spite himself, his ear drank in the sounds of base, 
degrading, idolatrous worship, ascribing to a creature, 
to a woman, the attributes of Deity itself The pre- 
fatory anthem was sung; ‘We fly to thy patronage, 
O holy mother of God, despise not our petitions in 
our necessities, but deliver us from all dangers, O 
ever-glorious and blessed Virgin !’ &c. &c. 

Then followed some supplicatory sentences, run 
over with incredible volubility, and next the famous 
string of blasphemous titles, chaunted forth by the 
captain, each being answered by the ‘ Ora pro Nobis’ 
of the rest. Alick heard them all as follows. ‘ Holy 
Mary — Holy Mother of God — Holy Virgin of virgins 
— Mother of Christ — Mother of divine grace — Mother 
most pure — Mother most chaste — Mother undefiled — 
Mother inviolate — Mother most amiable — Mother 
most adorable — mother of our creator — Mother of 
our Redeemer — Virgin most prudent — Virgin most 
venerable — Virgin most renowned — Virgin most pow- 
erful — Virgin most merciful — Virgin most faithful — 
Mirror of Justice — Seat of wisdom — Cause of our jcy 
— Spiritual vessel — Vessel of honour — Vessel of sii> 
gular devotion — Mystical rose — Tower of David — 
Tower of Ivory — House of gold — ark of the covenant 
— Gate of heaven — morning star — Health of the 
weak — REFUGE of sinners — Comfort of the afflicted — 
Help of Christians — Q,ueen of angels — Q,ueen of pa- ' 
triarchs — dueen of prophets — dueen of apostles — • ’ 
dueen of martyrs — dueen of confessors — dueen of ^ 


JUDAH S LION. 


83 


virgins — dueen of all saints,’ — and between each still 
came the melodious chorus, ^ Ora pro Nobis!’ 

‘ Christianity I’ thought Alick, What kind of hea 
thenism can be more degrading than this ? A Chris 
tian I never will be, so to dLshonour and blaspheme 
Him whose hand spread out all this watery expanse 
around me, and stretched yonder blue arch over me^ 
and is now guiding that bright orb to enlighten another 
hemisphere, and then to revisit us again. God of my 
father! keep me from such a sin!’ He raised his 
eyes, and met those of Josef, who was evidently watch- 
ing him ; and who, turning a look of supreme con- 
tempt on the group, with a special glance at Mrs. 
Ryan, muttered in a whisper, “ Such are they all ! 
Not content with worshipping the crucified, they give 
divine glory to the woman his mother, the fishermen 
his followers, and to every knave who has helped to 
spread the lie among them.’ He then walked away ; . 
but his remark had affected Alick differently from 
what he intended Conscience told him that Mrs. 
Ryan certainly dissented, as cordially as he did, from 
these idolatries, and that they ought not to be charged 
upon her individually. He rather inclined to think 
that there was a small body whose natural sense 
enabled them to throw off the grosser parts of the 
general system, which, from the countenance given 
to it in Malta, he concluded to be that of acknowledged 
Christianity. He came to the resolution of fairly and 
unreservedly talking the matter out with Mrs. Ryan, 
and as they expected to be yet five days at sea, he 
hoped for sufficient time to do it. Meantime, his 
father had entered into conversation with that lady^ in 


84 


JTJDAH^S LION. 


reference to the classic Isles of Greece, among which 
they had to steer their way, and the approach to 
which had roused his poetical feelings. He found her 
so well-informed, so agreeable, and so perfectly the 
lady, that on parting with his son at night, he warmly 
commended his taste in choosing such society, spoke 
very slightingly of Ben-Melchor, and gently cautioned 
Alick to avoid offensively noticing the ^harmlesa 
absurdities’ of the Captain and his crew, 


if 




CHAPTER VIL 


** Ip any man among you lack wisdom, let him ask 
of God, who giveth unto all men liberally and uphraid- 
eth not, and it shall be given him.” We are naturally 
destitute of this heaven-descended wisdom, and habit- 
ually negligent in asking it. Happy are they who, 
like Alick Cohen, fall in with a teacher whose con- 
duct presents an exception to this general rule ! 

Mrs. Ryan had no fixed plan of proceeding with 
those who, in the course of events, were brought be- 
fore her : she knew that each one is a little world in 
himself, with many distinctive peculiarities in his 
character, views, circumstances, which render it im- 
possible for the eye of a casual phserver to penetrate 
the veil of outward conformity to the habits of those 
about him. Accordingly she was accustomed to ask 
help in studying individuals as such : and direction in 
dealing with them. She had closely watched Alick, 
during their brief interviews, and remarked in him 
that freshness of feeling, and energy of thought, which 
are always delightful to deal with, when the person 
seeking to do good is not cramped by rules, and fet- 
tered to systems. She had marked his ill-suppressed 
emotion when listening to the blasphemous Litany, 
and rejoiced that her task was not to rouse a cold in- 
different mind, hut to direct into the right path on® 
8 


86 


JUDAH S LION. 


evidently on the stir, and perplexed hy the crossings 
that beset his way. Thought and prayer brought her 
to the decision that she ought to take into her own 
hands what little Charley had begun, and when they 
met on deck the following day, she lost no time in 
commencing. 

‘ Well, Mr. Cohen, have your thoughts been travel- 
ling with the ship, eastward, towards the land of your 
fathers T 

^ Indeed, Ma’am, they have. You must know that 
yesterday, I marked down several of the passages that 
you directed me to when we were talking ; indeed, 
all of them: and I have been reading them over, 
with a great deal besides. I got little sleep last night, 
what with poring over, and pondering on the Bible.’ 

‘ Then you will know the blessedness of which king 
David speaks,’ remarked Mrs. Ryan, turning to the 
first Psalm. ‘ See his description of the happy man : 
“ His delight is in the law of the Lord ; in his law 
doth he meditate, day and night.” What is the result 
of your study ?’ 

^ I have found out that I am very ignorant’ 

‘ I rejoice to hear it, my dear young friend. When 
God is about to teach his children, he begins by shew- 
ing them how greatly they need such instruction. 
But on what point is your ignorance made so mani- 
fest V 

‘ On every point connected with this book ; but 
chiefly as it concerns my own people, who seem to be 
the main subject of it ; for I cannot turn over two 
leaves without meeting with the words Israel, Zion, 
and so forth. I have heard it whispered to my father,’ 


Judah’s lion. 


87 


he added, smiling, ^ that reading the Bible would make 
me a Christian : it is more likely to make me doubly 
a Jew.’ 

‘ My dear husband would be delighted to hear you 
say that. He is very jealous for the nationality of 
your race, and asserts that a Jew who embraces 
Christianity is three times a Jew. An Israelite ac- 
cording to the flesh, an Israelite according to the 
faith, and an Israelite according to the territorial 
promise.’ 

‘ I am not going to embrace Christianity/ said 
Alick, colouring : ‘ but please to tell me what you 
mean by the territorial promise V 

‘ The unrevoked, unrevokeable assurance given to 
Abraham, that his seed should possess the land of 
Canaan as an inheritance for ever. An assurance 
confirmed by the pen of prophets and apostles, and 
the fulfilment of which it is sinful to doubt.’ 

^ Then you think we shall, as a people, re-possess 
Judea V 

^ I should hesitate to say that I think we are now 
at sea, because I positively know that we are : in like 
manner, though not by sight but by faith, I know you 
will again, as a nation, inherit the land, and that your 
Jerusalem shall be a praise in the whole earth.’ 

‘Now tell me, Mrs. Ryan,’ said Alick earnestly, 

‘ how comes it that while you evidently look upon us 
as a people specially blessed, once the chief of the 
nations, though now so fallen and obscured — while 
you hold our book of the law, prize it, and frame your 
religion on it, you should still desire , us to forsake that 
religion? You, as Gentiles, cannot become Jews; 


88 


judah’s lion. 


why do you wish to make the Jew a Gentile? — for 
put it how you will, Christianity is a Gentile religion, 
and therefore we cannot adopt it without forfeiting 
our privileges as Jews. Now, pardon me if what I 
say offends you, — I read this book at the persuasion 
of Gentiles, or at least by their example and through 
their means: I read passages of your own pointing 
out ; and because I felt deeply, ay, personally inter- 
ested in them, I read many a page besides. Hours 
and hours I read ; and when I show you what I read, 
you cannot blame me for wondering how you, who 
know the book so well, should expect me, after study- 
ing it even for a few hours, to descend — that is, I 
mean — to remove from my place, as a descendant of 
Abraham — an Israelite.’ 

He spoke the last word emphatically, and proceeded 
to turn over the leaves of his Bible : his hand trem- 
bled, and the flashing of his eyes was singularly 
bright. Mrs. Ryan spoke not a word, but gazed on 
him with delighted interest, pressing little Charley 
closer to her bosom, who, seated on her lap, had 
become drowsy till the altered tone of A lick’s voice 
roused him, and he too looked and listened. The 
passage was found, Alick smiled triumphantly, lifted 
the book, threw back his head, and with a highly 
poetic effect read aloud these words, ^ Arise ! shine ! 
for thy light is come ; and the glory of the Lord is 
risen upon thee. For behold, the darkness shall 
cover the earth, and gross darkness the people : but 
the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be 
seen upon thee.” To whom is this addressed, Mrs. 
Ryan? 


Judah’s lion. 


89 


^ To the Jewish church, unquestionahly.’ 

Alick smiled again, and resumed; ^^^And the 
Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the 
brightness of thy rising.” It proceeds in the same 
strain ; thus, And the sons of strangers shall build 
up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee : 
for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have 
I had mercy on thee. Therefore thy gates shall be 
open continually ; they shall not be shut day nor 
night ; that men . may bring unto thee the forces of the 
Gentiles ; and that their kings may he brought. For 
the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall 
perish ; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted.” 
Again, “ The sons also of them that afflicted thee 
shall come bending unto thee ; and they that despised 
thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy 
feet; and they shall call the city of the Lord ; the Zion 
of the Holy One of Israel. Whereas thou hast been 
forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, 
I will make thee an eternal excellency, the joy of 
many generations. Thou sh alt also suck the milk of 
the Gentiles ; and shalt suck the breast of kings : and 
thou shalt know that I am thy Saviour, and thy Re- 
deemer, the Mighty one of Jacob.” Has this ever 
been fulfilled, Mrs. Ryan V 

‘ Never.’ 

‘ Will it be V 

‘ As surely as yonder sun shall rise upon us to-mor- 
row, it will be fulfilled, literally, abundantly fulfilled 
to Israel.’ 

He look steadily at her, and she met his proud gaze 
with one of affection and humility : then after a mo- 

8 * 


90 


JUDAH S LION. 


merit’s silence said, ‘ Will you listen patiently to me 
for a few minutes, while I strive to explain our seem- 
ing inconsistencies V 

^ I will indeed, ma,am ; and I hope that in showing 
you how I must cherish this great privilege of being a 
Jew, I have not been disrespectful or rude to you.’ 

‘Far from it: I bless God even the God of Abra- 
ham that he puts it in your heart to value these pre- 
cious w^ords. But now to my statement : you are 
aware that Abraham was called out of his own country 
and blessed, and had two special promises made to 
him. One was, that his children should possess the 
whole land of Canaan and inherit it for ever ; the 
other, that in his seed should all the families of the 
earth be blessed. These promises were confirmed to 
Isaac, then to Jacob ; with the further intimation that, 
of his twelve sons, Judah was one of whose lineage 
the promised seed, the Messiah, the Deliverer and 
King of the whole earth should come. After a long 
while, Canaan was conquered, and divided among the 
twelve tribes, and they, in process of time became 
two kingdoms, known as the kingdoms of Judah and 
Israel.’ 

‘ Pardon me for interrupting you ; hut in what his- 
torical work can I find all these particulars V 

‘ In the book you hold in your hand ; I will show 
you everything distinctly set forth. Judah and Ben- 
jamin united, formed the kingdom of Judah ; the other 
ten who had first revolted, soon fell into idolatry, and 
after much sinful rebellion against the Lord, they were 
given into the hand of the Assyrian, carried away cap- 
tive, and so scattered among the nations that scarcely 


Judah’s lion. 


91 


a vestige visibly remains of them at this day. Ju- 
dah, notwithstanding this fearful example, continued 
to sin in like manner, and was given up to the Baby- 
lonians, who destroyed the Temple of Solomon, broke 
down the walls of Jerusalem, and carried Judah away 
captive into Babylon,^ where they remained seventy 
years. They were then restored ; that is to say, Judah, 
■with a few individuals from among Ephraim, as the 
ten tribes are called ; the temple rebuilt, and for five 
hundred years the Jews repossessed their land, never 
again relapsing into idolatry, which had caused their 
chastisment. At length, the most dreadful calamities 
overtook them ; and after a long period of oppression 
under the Roman yoke, they were slaughtered, or car- 
ried away captive ; the city razed, the land laid waste, 
and for nearly eighteen hundred years has Judah heert 
an outcast ; not mingled and lost among other people, 
like the ten tribes, but miraculously preserved, to be 
restored and re-established in the sight of the whole 
world hy the arm of their Jehovah ; who will also col- 
lect and bring in together the scattered tribes of Israel. 
This is what we may call the political history of 
Israel- — the national experience, past and to come, of 
God’s faithfulness in the promise of the land. Now 
we arrive at another branch of the subject: the pro- 
mise that in Abraham’s seed, in the progeny of Isaac, 
Jacob, Judah, should all families of the earth be blessed. 

“ The great object for which your nation was so 
set apart, was, that they might be the depositories of 
God’s word, treasuring up his prophecies, that in their 
fulfilment he might be openly glorified. Laws were 
given, and rites were appointed, every one of which 


92 


JUDAH S LION. 


was calculated in a lively manner to keep the attem 
tion of the people fixed on the one great object, the 
promised seed, the Messiah, whose office it was to 
make atonement to God for the sins of men, offering 
a sacrifice that would be a sufficient substitute for the 
guilty sinners whose misdeeds had forfeited their souls, 
and who stood exposed to the just wrath of God. In 
this sense he was to be a deliverer, a blessijig to aU 
the families of the earth ; and winning hack the world 
from Satan, he would be acknowledged as universal 
king — in an especial manner king of the Jews, of 
whom, after the flesh, he should come : the promised 
seed of Abraham, as to immediate Hebrew descent ; 
and also the promised seed of the woman — Eve — the 
mother of ail flesh. God, having set apart the chil- 
dren of Israel, and mightily delivered them out of 
bondage, and made them an independent nation^ 
miraculously inspired their leader Moses, to write 
down the marvellous history of the creation, of man’s 
sin, of the promised seed who should bruise the ser- 
pent’s head, and of all his marvellous dealings, from 
the beginning of the world to that time ; with a dis- 
tinct prophecy of one who was to come, a prophet like 
unto Moses, to whom they were to give heed at the 
peril of their souls. Thenceforth the voice of prophecy 
ceased not through many ages, always testifying of 
him who was to come ; and showing plainly that his 
work was the redemption of man by the sacrifice of 
himself ; after which he should again come, no longer 
a sorrowful victim, but a majestic rejoicing conqueror, 
to destroy his stubborn foes, and to reign gloriously 
for ever. Satan, the great enemy of God and man, 


JTJDAH^fe LION. 


93 


knowing how intimately all these things were inter- 
woven with the destiny of Israel in particular, never 
ceased to tempt them to every kind of provocation 
against the Lord, hoping thereby to frustrate his gra- 
cious purposes. Knowing idolatry to be of all things 
the most abominably and outrageously insulting to the 
Most High God, he especially tempted Israel to that 
crime : and when, after the return from Babylon, he 
found them proof against it, he chose another snare — 
he led them so to add to the oracles of God, which 
they dared not alter, that by the traditions, the inter- 
polations, the vain superstitious ordinances of man, 
they made it vain ; the pure tenor of prophecy was 
no longer understood ; and when their Messiah, — him 
to whom gave all the prophets witness, — came ex- 
actly at the appointed time, and exactly in the ap- 
pointed way, as foreshown by Isaiah, David, and other 
prophets, they knew him not — they rejected, they 
crucified him. For this deadly sin they were driven 
forth from their goodly heritage, scattered among all 
nations, and exposed to the wrath of God, until they 
shall turn to him who smites them, and casting from 
them the vain traditions of men, believe the word of 
God, as declared by their own inspired prophets, and 
acknowledge the Saviour who once suffered for them, 
who shall again come to reign over them — their own 
Messiah, their King, their God !’ 

During this long address, — which was uttered from 
an overflowing heart, with all the animation of one 
whose long pent-up feelings have at last found vent, — • 
Alick listened with a depth of earnest attention im- 
possible to describe. For some time he kept his eyes 


94 


JUDAH S LION. 


steadily fixed on the speaker ; but as he proceeded, 
they sunk to the book which he held still open ; and 
unconsciously he took in the purport of a verse on 
which they fell, just preceding what he had read, — 

“ And he saw that there was no man, and wondered 
that there was no intercessor ; therefore his arm 
brought salvation unto him, and his righteousness it 
sustained him.” Alick shut the book, and continued 
gazing on the cover, till Mrs. Ryan concluded. After 
a short silence, he said, without looking up, ^ Then you 
think we shall not recover our own land unless we be- 
come Christians V ^ 

^ I do not say so,’ replied Mrs. Ryan : ‘ the word of 
prophecy rather leads me to think your people will na- i 
tionally repossess it in their present state ; but enjoy 
it you never can, nor will you be left in peace, or know 
an hour of real prosperity or happiness, until you turn 
to the Lord Jesus, acknowledge him, mourn your own I 
sin, and rejoice in his salvation.’ 

^ But suppose we never do this V 
‘ Oh you will, you will!’ exclaimed little Charles, ! 
almost in a scream ; ^ look in your Bible, Mr. Alick ; 
look at the twelfth chapter of Zechariah, the tenth 
verse — here, Fll find it for you.’ He did so, and Alick ^ 
read, — “ And I will pour upon the house of David and ^ 
upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace 
and of supplication ; and they shall look upon me 
whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for 
him as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in : 
bitterness for him as one that is in bitterness for his i 
firstborn.” And now just look at the thirty-sixth of 
Ezekiel, the twenty-third verse ; And I will sanctify | 


JUDAH^S LION. 


95 


my great name, which was profaned among the hea- 
then, which ye have profaned in the midst of them ; 
and the heathen shall know that I am the Lord, saith 
the Lord God, when I shall be sanctified in you before 
their eyes. For I will take you from among the hea 
then, and gather you out of all countries, and I will 
bring you into your own land. Then” oh, mind that, 
Mr. Alick — then will I sprinkle clean water upon 
you, and ye shall be clean : from all your filthiness 
and from all your idols will I cleanse you. A new 
heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put 
within you ; and I will take away the stony heart out 
of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 
And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to 
walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments 
and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I 
gave to your fathers ; and ye shall be my people, and 
I will be your God.” There, what do you say to 
that?’ asked the little fellow, triumphantly; and 
Alick, in the attempt to answer, while stroking the 
dimpled hand that pointed out the blessed words, burst 
into tears. 

Charley jumped on his knee, and kissing away the 
drops as they fell, said, ‘ My own darling Jew, Jesus 
Christ loves you.’ 

‘ I think,’ said Alick, as, smiling, he passed his hand 
over his forehead, ‘my night’s study has been too 
much for my nerves, idle truant as I have long proved 
myself Y ou see, Charley, I am a naughty boy, hav- 
ing neglected my books ever since I was at school ; 
and now I am no better than an overgrown baby.’ 

‘ No, no,’ said Charles gravely, ‘ it is not that You 


96 


jtjdah’s lion. 


are going to enter the kingdom of heaven; and so 
you are become as a little child.” And then he bustled 
over the leaves, and showed him our Lord’s words. 

‘ The things you have said to me, Ma’am,’ said 
Alick, ‘ are really quite overpowering to the mind. 
So many matters, new and strange, and important, are 
contained in your statement that I really don’t know 
what to say or think. I only wish I was half as wise 
as this little oracle,’ clasping Charley to him, with a 
look so full of affection, that Mrs. Ryan thought she 
had never seen a more fascinating countenance. 
‘ Look, my dear young friend,’ she suddenly said, in 
a low voice, ‘ yonder is one of your nation, a rigid 
Talmudist, who holds those blinding additions and 
commandments of men, to the exclusion of the hght 
that would shine upon him from this glorious word. 
He is now, no doubt, engaged in some work of sup- 
posed merit ; and while scorning the idolatry of the 
poor Romanists whom you heard last evening at their 
degrading creature-worship, Re is wrapped in the same 
net that entangles them — obedience to man, rather 
than to God.’ 

‘ Does Ben-Melchor admit the divine authority of 
this book. Ma’am?’ 

‘ Of the Old Testament fully. Do you understand 
Hebrew V 

‘Yes: I learnt it very young. I can read and 
speak it’ 

‘ Will you take the trouble of fetching me a basket 
that stands on the table in my cabin?’ 

Away went Ahck ; and Mrs. Ryan, catching Char- 
ley to her bosom, said, ‘ My Jove, pray, pray ! there 


Judah’s lion. 


97 


is a bright and blessed hope for this sweet young 
Israelite.’ 

^ Am I your little Missionary, Mamma? am I?’ 

^ Yes you are, vein of my heart! But you must 
pray for wisdom and boldness, you know.’ 

‘ How pleased Papa will be, won’t he ? but hush, 
for here comes the darling Jew.’ 

Smiling her thanks, Mrs. Ryan took the basket, and 
unlocking it, produced a beautifully printed copy of the 
Bible in Hebrew ; which Alick rather seized than 
took, exclaiming, ‘ What a splendid type I’ and eagerly 
commenced reading the first verse, with a fluency of 
pronunciation that delighted Mrs. Ryan ; while 
Charley cried out with much glee, ‘ That’s the lan- 
guage they spoke in Eden.’ 

^Accept that book, Mr. Cohen, said his friend; 
‘ and trust me, Ben*Melchor will not call a word of it 
in question. Do study it, and with prayer.’ 

‘ Dear Madam I how shall I thank you for such a 
gift!’ 

‘ How shall I thank you^ Mr. Cohen, for that pre- 
cious book? To your nation were committed the 
oracles of God ; and but for their fidelity to the sacred 
trust, we Gentiles must have perished. They lost all 
things, but they kept this ; they have guarded it 
through the brightest day of prosperity, and the dark- 
est night of adversity. When Popery would gladly 
have annihilated such a living witness against her 
abominable perversions, she could not, for the Jew 
preserved it : when she would have mutilated and 
made it speak the language of her own falsehood, she 
could not, for the Jew protected it. Trust me, Mr. 
9 


98 


judah’s lion. 


Cohen, when a Gentile hands to a Jew that holy and 
blessed volume, he does but an act of such imperative 
duty, that the wilful omission would he recorded 
against his soul. We thank you for the Bible — with 
our inmost hearts we thank you for the Bible !’ 

Mrs. Ryan and Charley now left the deck, and 
Alick, pocketing both his treasures, walked straight 
up to Ben-Melchor, who had been standing us usual, 
with his eyes fixed on the water, muttering rapidly 
some unintelligible words. ‘ Do I interrupt you?’ 
asked the youth. 

‘No; my hours of study are over till the sun has 
set.’ 

‘ Would it not be good for your health, sir, to pass 
more time on deck ? I should grudge as many hours’ 
confinement in a close cabin with this bright sea 
about me.’ 

‘ What availeth the body’s health, young man, 
compared with the soul’s welfare V 

‘ May they not be promoted together, sir? I can 
hardly think God gave us all these delightful things 
to turn our backs upon.’ 

‘ Wisdom is not with youth, but with men of ripened 
age. Very painful are the studies that fit the soul for 
blessedness; and very sore the discipline appointed 
for mind and body to make us worthy thereof’ 

Ahck thought of becoming as “ little children,” and 
felt how dissimilar were the two ways pointed out to 
him. He resumed, — ‘ Would it be presumptuous to 
ask the nature of your studies?’ 

‘ The law, youth, the holy law, which is given io 
make us wise.’ 


judah’s lion. 


99 


Alick drew forth his Hebrew Bible, and found the 
first Psalm, from which he read the two first verses. 
Ben-Melchor looked at him in astonishment, then si- 
lently, took the hook, and examined it with great care: 
he then closed it, laid it reverently to his lips, pressed 
it to his bosom, and said in a solemn tone, ‘ It is a 
prohibited book.’ 

Alick thought the words and actions of his country- 
man strangely at variance : however, he only asked, 
‘ By whom is it prohibited?’ 

^ By the Rabbins.’ 

‘ I have the greatest respect for the Rabbins, hut 
they shall not hinder me from reading this.’ 

^ Youth is presumptuous,’ remarked the Jew. 

What authority hast thou for disobeying the Rab- 
bins V 

^ I have God’s authority, ay, and his command, to 
study this book.’ 

‘ Boy ! the Holy One (blessed be he) speaks not to 
the unlearned. When heardest thou his voice V 

^ I have it here,’ said Alick, turning over with 
strange delight the leaves of his new Bible. ‘ Our 
great prophet, Moses, delivered to us the command ;* 
— and he read the passage from Deuteronomy. 

^ The memory of Moses is blessed,’ said the Jew. 

‘ But see, the sun is setting, and I must to my cabin 
Peace be with thee ! but read not that prohibited 
book.’ 

^ Indeed I will,’ thought Alick, as he courteously 
returned the parting salutation, and then, pacing the 
deck, devoured the word of life in a language of 


100 


JUDAH’S LION. 


which he seemed never before to have felt the beauty 
or the power. 

‘ Alick,’ said Mr. Cohen, as he hade him good night, 
‘ to-morrow I muft be on deck all day. We shall be 
passing among 

The of Greece, the isles of Greece, 

Where harnlng Sappho loved and sung ; 

And I must enjoy with you the many classic reminis- 
cences that cannot fj^il to brighten our track.’ 

Alick bowed ; but the words that would, a little 
while before, have been so congenial to his taste, ac- 
tually grated on his ee.*, exciting a feeling of disgust 
Whence could it be ? ilo did not know : but with 
redoubled zest he be to "A himself to the contents of 
his Hebrew Bible, and fe.U with his finger on 

the page, and his mind filhd v aV the subhme ima- 
gery of Isaiah. 


CHAPTER VIIL 


The Hebrew Bible which Mrs. Ryan had given to 
Alick had been for some time in her husband’s posses- 
sion ; and he had marked, faintly but distinctly, by a 
pencil line down the margin, sundry passages, to which 
he wished especially to refer, when discussing with 
Jews the word of prophecy and of promise. Alick did 
not at first perceive these marks : but on discovering 
one over against a glowing description of Israel’s fu- 
ture glory, he eagerly sought for more ; and reading 
with the ardent perseverance of one who is not ful- 
filling a task, or seeking out hidden mysteries, but 
hoping to gather valuable information from the pages 
Defore him, he took in the purport of a vast body of 
evidence, while his heart now melted, now glowed, 
now trembled ; as sorrow, hope, awe, alternately bore 
sway over his deeply-excited spirit. ^ What upon 
earth,’ thought he, as with a gesture of impatience he 
struck his hand on the volume, ‘ What upon earth 
have the Gentiles to do with this book? from begin- 
ning to end it concerns us, and us alone : how came 
they to possess it, while among us it is scarcely heard 
of?’ He turned over the leaves, and his eye falling 
on the nineteenth Psalm, he recognized it at once as 
forming part of the synagogue-worship ; in which he 
had often joined, but too heedlessly to take note of 


102 


JUDAH S LION. 


anything hut a few specimens of what he considered 
highly poetical language and imagery ; among which 
he had particularly admired this. ‘ So,’ said he, after 
carefully reading it over, ‘ this portion cf the Bible 
is actually in daily use among us. Have the Goim* 
translated it, I wonder ? He looked into Gordon’s 
Bible, and found it correctly given ; then returning to 
the Hebrew, he recognized many other passages, as 
being interwoven with his liturgy. ‘ How I wish I 
had my prayer-book here ! I used to despise the men 
and lads around me, who pored so closely over their 
book, and joined so devoutly in the responses, while I 
was peeping up through the gallery-screen to see the 
ladies coming and going ; or amusing myself with 
Esther’s angry glances as she saw me so inattentive. 
Poor dear Esther ! her heart is with her people, 
mourning over their afflicted state, and longing, pray- 
ing, believing — Oh, how far superior is she to me, 
who do not deserve to be called a Jew !’ In this way 
he went on, reading, remembering, and soliloquizing 
over the inspired word ; his prevailing wish being for 
some one with whom to discuss, in free, full, vigorous 
argument, what seemed to increase his perplexity 
with every line he read. He remembered that one 
of the sentences he was accustomed to hear in public 
worship was, “ Blessed art thou, 0 Lord ! our God, 
king of the universe, who hath not made me a wo- 
man.” And he secretly confessed that to be such a 
woman as Mrs. Ryan would be no great disadvantage. 
Yet he longed for a man to reason with him out of 
the Scriptures, and felt confident that he could estab- 
* Gentiles. 


JUDAH S LION. 


103 


!ish the exclusive title of Israel to every good thing 
mentioned in them. 

In this mood his father found him when he came 
on deck early, to enjoy the scenery. Ben-Melchor 
had also, it seemed, a respite from his severe services, 
for he appeared more carefully attired, and with a 
mind evidently more disengaged, than on any of his 
precedent transient visits. Alick could not account 
for the pugnacious feeling of which he was inwardly 
conscious, and which seemed almost equally ready to 
vent itself on any convenient object. It was the proud 
spirit of stiff-necked Judaism rising within him — the 
tossings of a mind breaking loose from its former moor- 
ings in the stagnant waters of lazy indifference, and 
caught in conflicting billows without being able to 
reach the stedfast anchor of well-grounded hope and 
assured faith. 

Mr. Cohen appeared unusually cheerful and sociable 
with Ben-Melchor, whom he wisely determined to 
make as agreeable as he could, since there was no 
avoiding him ; and the latter related some particulars 
of the recent proceedings of Mahomet Ali, the turbu- 
lent old Pasha, which interested Mr. Cohen by their 
political bearing, and set Alick considering whether 
the singular character and arbitrary proceedings of the 
Egyptian Chief might not be turned to the advantage 
of the Jews. He had, while seeking out psalms con 
nected with the synagogue-worship, recalled to mind 
how incessantly their prayers turned on the point of 
the national restoration ; and this, combined with the 
confident predictions of Mrs. Ryan and Charles, cr^n- 
vmced him that it was the bounden duty of every 


104 


JUDAH S LION. 


Jew to make it the principal object of his most stren- 
uous efforts. But on this subject nothing was said; 
and Alick was just meditating an escape from such 
uninteresting society, when he was relieved by seeing 
his friend Charley came bustling up the ladder. 

‘ Well, my little man,’ said Mr. Cohen, ^ is not your 
Mother coming to enjoy this fine weather on deck T 

‘ No, sir*^ Mamma is busy in the cabin ; and I am 
come to play, if Mr. Alick will take care of me.’ 

‘ That I am sure he will,’ remarked Mr. Cohen ; 
and Alick jumped up and ran off with Charley to the 
farthest corner of the deck. 

^ Have you been reading ? asked the child, eagerly. 

^ Plenty, Charles : and well I may, for the whole 
book is about us, the people of God, and nothing else.’ 

‘ We are the people of God i^o, Mr. Alick.’ 

“ Then why is there nothing about you in the 
Bible V 

‘ There is plenty about us in the New Testament. 
We are the children of Abraham by faith, as you are 
by birth.’ 

^ But Abraham’s faith was quite different from 
yours.’ 

^ No, it was the same. You know, the Lord Jesus 
says to the unbelieving Jews, ‘ Your father Abraham 
rejoiced to see my day ; and he saw it, and was 
glad.” ’ 

‘ That proves nothing, said Alick, fretfully.’ 

‘ Do you think Abel went to heaven, Mr. Alick V 

‘What! the son of Eve, whom his brother slew? 
yes, I have no sort of doubt as to that, poor fellow.’ 

‘And Enoch did, we are sure ; and Noah, and all 


Judah’s lion. 


105 


that loved God before Abraham’s time ; brft none ot 
them were Jews, for Abraham was the first’ 

Aliek felt ashamed to be so easily corrected by a 
mere infant: Charles continued: ^ If good people 
were saved before there were any Jews in the world, 
why not now, Mr. Alick ?’ 

^ Fickle boy ! Yesterday you were all for the Jews, 
and now you turn against us.’ 

^ No ; but I was saying something to Mamma, very 
much like that you said to me just now ; and so she 
reminded me of Abel, and the rest of God’s Gentiles, 
vou know.’ 

Alick looked steadfastly in the smiling face of the 
child, and after a moment’s pause warmly said, ^ Well, 
Charles, if it please God to fulfil his merciful pro- 
mises to Israel while you and I live. I’ll share with 
you every blessing I get in that good land. And I’ll 
tell you something more, my boy : you talk of per- 
suading the Jews to become Christians ; if ever that 
be done, it will be by such people as you and your 
dear Mother, with hearts full of love, and lips full of 
kindness to the Jews: — to Zion whom no man 
seeketh after,” ’ he added in a lower tone, and turning 
in the direction of the city he was beginning so deeply 
to yearn over. 

Charley laughed with pleasure : ‘ How nice it is to 
hear you talk like the Bible, Mr. Alick? you did not 
talk like the Bible when I saw you at first’ 

^ Because I did not think like the Bible, Charley. 
Oh, how I wish you could talk to me in Hebrew!’ 

‘ Sure, ain’t I learning it as fast as I can? Mamma 
gives me a lesson every day. Stop, I’ll be back in 


106 


JUDAH S LION. 


less than.no time/ cried the merry little fellow, as he 
bounded away, and hurried down to his cabin ; whence 
he presently returned with a Hebrew grammar, and a 
Psalter in the same language. 

While Alick with delight bent over him, and cor- 
rected the few inaccuracies of pronunciation with 
which he went over an easy little lesson, Mr. Cohen 
and Ben Melchor approached; the former saying, 
^ That’s right, Alick ; you could not be better em- 
ployed:’ then glancing over the child’s head, he 
exclaimed, • Hey-dey ! why you’re teaching him 
Hebrew. That’s urging on the march of intellect in 
double quick time. Had you not better begin with 
English V 

‘ Ho reads English, sir, as well as I do said 
Alick, proud of his young friend’s acquirements ; 
‘ and I have only now discovered that he is making 
a progress in Hebrew, wonderful for his very tender 
years.’ 

‘ I can speak Irish, too,’ said Charley, the innate 
pride of whose heart was roused by all these commen- 
dations. 

‘ And who taught you, my brave fellow V asked Mr. 
Cohen. 

^ I learnt Irish among the people at home at our 
place near Cork. Nurse talked it more than English. 
Papa thought me too young for Hebrew ; but I 
coaxed Mamma to let me try a little hit, and sure it’s 
easy enough!’ Then with no small self-complacency 
he opened his Psalter, and read oil’ a verse very cor- 
rectly. 

^ He is evidently a genius,’ observed Mr. Cohen ; 


Judah’s lion. 


107 


‘'but Ills father is right, and the mother, as women 
usually are, is wrong. French would be far more use- 
ful to him.’ 

Charley, whose cheeks had crimsoned on hearing 
his mother blamed, now looked up at the reprover, 
and said with some bitterness, ^ God didn’t write the 
Bible in French.’ 

The sudden pressure of Alick’s arm, which was 
round him, as he sate on his knee, and which proba- 
bly indicated a wish to caution him, induced him to 
turn and clasp the neck of the youth, ejaculating in 
the same breath, ^ He wrote it in Hebrew, didn’t he, 
darling ?’ 

‘ Upon my word,’ said Mr. Cohen, turning to Ben- 
Melchor, Hhis is a most extraordinary child;’ 

The Talmudist, in whose countenance strong pas- 
sions had been working all along, now burst out in 
fierce invective against the infidel Goim, who were 
[ using the holy language as a snare to destroy the 
! souls of Israel ; and on whom he invoked all the 
i curses of,the law, with such loudness of voice and ex- 

i! ’ 

I travagance of gesture, tliat Charley clung to his friend 
in terror, hiding his face in the vest of Alick, who trem- 
bled as much, though from a different cause. Mr; 
Cohen strove to slip in a few qualifying words, but to 
no purpose. Hebrew, Arabic, Italian, were all put in 
requisition by the enraged Jew ; and at last he had re- 
course to English, in which he was obliged to speak 
slower, while uttering fearful blasphemies against the 
I Name at which every knee shall bow. On hearing 
this, the little Christian boy lifted up his head, and, 

1 still keeping fast hold of Alick, looked round, exclaim- 


108 


JUDAH^S LION. 


ing in a shrill cry, ^ Y ou are a wicked man to speak 
against the Lord Jesus !’ 

The Jew redoubled his invectives, and Charley, 
with all the fire of his race fully kindled, fixed a stern 
look in the distorted countenance of the blasphemer, 
saying, ^ He is your King for all that, and he will 
judge you.’ 

‘ Little serpent !’ said the Jew, in a suppressed tone, 
more frightful than his former vociferations, ‘ I could 
toss thee upon the wave, and send thee to Gehenna, 
ere thou doest more mischief’ 

^ Do !’ said Charles, jumping off Alick’s knee, ^ Do 
if you like ! Little Cyril was no bigger than me when 
he was a martyr for the name of the dear Lord Jesus 
Christ : and if you kill me, I’ll only go the sooner to 
him. He is your Messiah !’ For a moment he kept 
his eye on the face of the threatener ; but it was too 
much for his infant strength : he threw himself again 
into Alick’s arms, and sobbed and cried most piteously. 

Mr. Cohen was a man of sense, and of generous 
feeling so far as he allowed himself to feel ; he was 
also a fond father and a perfect gentleman, and all 
these things combined to make him unusually angry . 
on poor little Charley’s behalf Before, however, he 
could express his indignation, a new turn was given to 
the matter ; for some of the Jew’s Italian remarks had I 
reached the ear of the sailors, who called up the Cap- 
tain from a devotional office before his image. Their' 
looks, to which Mr. Cohen failed not to direct Ben* j 
Melchor’s attention, wrought a great change in his as- \ 
pect: the fate that he had contemplated for little \ 
Charles was not unlikely to overtake himself, if he ex- ^ ‘ 


JUDAHS LION. 


109 


asperated those wild-looking devotees. He bent his 
eyes to the ground, and stood silent, while Mr. Cohen 
soothed the irritated mariners, by assuring them that 
the remarks, which he said must have been imper- 
fectly heard, had no reference whatever to their reli- 
gion, This excuse, backed by a hint of some intended 
largess, as a compensation for the wound their pious 
feelings had suffered, though needlessly, had the de- 
sired effect : and Mr. Cohen haughtily told Ben-Mel- 
chor he might be thankful to escape with no worse 
than a pecuniary infliction : then left him to his reflec- 
tions. 

But why had Alick, the fiery Alick, been silent ^ 
Had he no sympathy with the courageous fidelity of 
his little companion, no pity for his natural terrors ? 
More, much more than this was swelling in Alick^s 
bosom : the expressions that roused the child’s resent- 
ment had smote on his heart, making it recoil as from 
something dreadful ; while the words of the baby mis- 
sionary, ‘ He is your King, and he will judge you . 
He is your Messiah,’ seemed to awaken an echo there. 
Overpowered by the consciousness that a belief which 
his people held so deeply accursed was fast gaining 
I on him, he felt paralyzed : and the child’s momentary 
boldness, his spring upon the deck, his fearless bear- 
ing in the face of an opposer so formidable, and the 
reference to a martyr of his own age, all struck the 
young Jew as something supernatural, sent to confirm 
his wavering thoughts. When the seamen approached 
with looks so evidently hostile, he lifted Charley in 
his arms, ran down to his mother’s cabin, and saying, 

‘ There ; thank God for what he has given yoi^* 

10 


no 


JUDAH* S LION. 


hastened back in time to hear his father’s plausible 
excuse, and to witness the retreat of the crest-fallen 
Ben-Melchor ; after which, Mr. Cohen said, ‘ Alick, 
a sad insult has been put on that nice woman in the 
person of her little son. We really must, as gentle- 
men, disclaim any participation in the vulgar, violent 
prejudices of this strange fellow. Come down with 
me to her cabin,’ 

Alick obeyed, half reluctantly indeed ; for nothing 
was so insupportable to him as the idea that some- 
thing might lead to a prohibition of farther intercourse, 
Mr. Cohen sent in a most polite request for five 
minutes audience, by Mrs. Ryan’s servant: and on 
being admitted they found that lady, with traces of 
tears on her cheeks, and Charley looking most sorrow- 
fully downcast in a corner of the little apartment. 
An ample, and indeed a very feeling apology was 
immediately tendered by Mr. Cohen, to which she 
warmly replied that it was wholly unnecessary, since 
she could not for a moment believe that it was other- 
wise than painful and distressing to them to witness 
what no one could have prevented. She added that 
her chief regret was on Charley’s account, who by his 
own confession had shown a very improper spirit in 
replying to what was so wrathfully spoken. 

‘ My dear Madam, you astonish me. The boy’s 
spirit was admirable ; and though of course I could 
not take this view of the question, right proud should 
I be to have a boy twice his age, equally bold and 
faithful to his convictions.’ 

‘ Charles, come hither,’ said Mrs, Ryan ; and thf 


JUDAH'S LION. 


Ill 


little fellow came to her knee, ^ Did you speak the 
truth to the person who was reviling our Lord T 

‘ Yes Mamma, I did.’ 

^ Did you speak it in love, Charles? Did you bear 
in mind that “ the man of God must not strive, but be 
gentle unto all men ; patient ; in meekness instructing 
them that oppose themselves and did you as far as 
a little boy could do, exhibit the spirit of a man of 
God?^ 

Charles hung his head. 

^ What did our Lord do when he was reviled?* 
Charles looked up, and softly repeated, ‘ Who, when 
he was reviled, reviled not again ; when he suffered, 
he threatened not ; but committed himself to him that 
judgeth righteously.” Please forgive me !’ he added, 
looking round with tearful eyes. 

‘ I profess myself wholly unable to see what there 
is to forgive,*^ said Mr. Cohen with some warmth. 
‘ My countryman, a great fellow, with a formidable 
countenance, talked of pitching this child into the sea 
around us, which he could have done in a moment, 
(you need not look so fierce, Alick,) and instead of 
running away, or screaming out with terror, the gal- 
lant little fellow faced him most manfully, declaring 
his readiness to lay down his life for what he believes 
to be the truth. I repeat, were he mine, I should 
glory in him ; and richly reward him too. I will not 
any longer intrude on you, dear Madam, but permit 
me to hope that you will join us on deck in the even- 
ing, when we shall pass the noble spectacle of the 
ancient Sunium, and I need not add that no annoy- 
ance will be suffered to approach you.’ 


12 


judah’s lion. 


Mrs. Ryan promised : and heartily thanked him for 
his kindness to her and the child, as he took a friendly 
leave ; then turning to Alick, who still sat absorbed in 
thought, she said, your father is all benevolence and 
real courtesy, Mr. Cohen.’ 

But Alick’s pent-up emotion could bear restraint no 
longer ; he burst out into sudden vehemence, exclaim- 
ing, ‘ Oh Mrs. Ryan, I cannot bear to hear that Name 
reviled! Nobody must do it, nobody shall do it in 
my presence — I can’t bear it, and I won’t bear it I’ 
and he started up and threw himself into another seat, 
while Mrs. Ryan gazed in silent surprise, and Charley 
running to him said, ‘ Why, do you loye the Lord 
Jesus? Do you? do you?’ 

‘ I don’t know that I love him, but he was good and 
merciful ; though he is not my Messiah.’ 

‘ Either your Messiah, or a deceiver, an impostor, 
and a blasphemer,’ said Mrs. Ryan, firmly and so- 
lemnly. ‘ He applied himself to all the predictions of 
the prophets, he declared himself the Son of God, the 
King of Israel, the I AM, the Pre-existent, before 
Abraham was, before the foundation of the world — 
that world of which he announced himself to be the 
final Judge. No, Mr. Cohen, there is no middle way: 
either the strongest expressions of your countryman 
fall far short of the truth, or else he of whom we speak, 
Jesus of Nazareth, is your own Messiah, your Saviour, 
your King, and your God.’ 

‘ Mrs. Ryan, don’t say any more ; I will not rest till 
this point is settled in my mind ; but my head is too 
bewildered to think at present. Don’t speak about it 
when my father is by ; for though he is so liberal he 


JUDAH'S LION. 


113 


-aight forbid my conversing with you : he did on a 
former occasion with one who first taught me to think 
on these subjects.’ 

‘ Then you have been spoken to before ?’ exclaimed 
Mrs. Ryan eagerly. 

‘ Yes : by the person who gave me, or rather lent 
me the English Bible, on board the ship we came over 
in. It arose from his saying that the third Lion in 
our British arms was the Lion of the tribe of Judah.’ 

‘ Oh, I do hope it is !’ cried Mrs.* Ryan. ^ It would 
indeed be a token of security, honour, and triumph 
for England, if her standard bore that unconquerable 
badge.’ 

Towards sunset, the voyagers assembled on deck, 
where, by Mr. Cohen’s orders, a handsome awning 
had been put up, and refreshments set out, to which 
Mrs. Ryan, Charley, and Ben-Melchor were invited 
The latter appeared anxious to render himself more 
agreeable to his companions, who avoided any recur- 
rence to the past, and all was cordiality and good- 
humor. They obtained a splendid view of the re- 
markable spot which Mr. Cohen was so anxious to 
survey, — -Cape Colonna, from the bold high cliff of 
which, abruptly rise the marble pillars that once sup 
ported a magnificent temple of Minerva. Bathed in 
the light of a western sun, these beautiful ruins shone 
like burnished gold, extorting exclamations of delight 
from more than one of the party. 

‘ How imposing is that desolate wreck of the glories 
of ancient Greece !’ said Mr. Cohen. ‘ It is the first 
object that has really interested me since I left home. 
The familiarity acquired in early days with these classic 
10 * 


114 


JUDAH'S LION. 


scenes and names, invests' them with an endearing 
claim on the afTections, so that the first gaze fixed on 
them seems rather the recognition of something long- 
loved and lost, than the discovery of a new object. I 
am looking on Sunium,’ he added, ‘ and how prolific is 
imagination in filling out what now, alas I is lacking to 
that bare but lovely outline, and peopling the solitary 
cliff with forms of armed warriors, and of white -stoled 
priests; while the song of devotion, and the shout of 
defiance seem borrie in mingled power over these now 
silent waters.’ 

^ Will Greece ever rise again to any eminence 
among the nations V asked Alick. 

‘ Not under its present government,’ replied Mr. 
Cohen ; ‘ nor while the character of her sons continues 
so miserably deteriorated. The ancient spirit of free- 
dom must be rekindled, with all its glowing patriotism 
and scorn of wrong, ere we can look to witness another 
Marathon.’ 

After a few more remarks on the past and present 
state of Greece, the conversation turned on the rela- 
tive position of Turkey and Egypt, the evident pur- 
pose of Mehemet Ali ultimately to throw off the Sul- 
tan’s yoke, and to establish an independent dominion, 
which Mr. Cohen remarked, he would extend to the 
uttermost of his power. 

^ And what, in that case,’ said Mrs. Ryan, ^ is to 
become of Syria ? what of Palestine V 

Ben-Melchor looked at her for a moment, then 
dropped his eyes : but the glare of that glance was 
startling. She, however, resumed. ^ My own convic- 
tion is strong and immoveable: all these disputes, 


Judah’s lion. 


115 


these conflicts and commotions in the East, are but 
the means which God will overrule to accomplish the 
restoration of his chosen people, his Israel, to their 
own land.’ 

Mr. Cohen looked astonished, Alick delighted, and 
Ben-Melclior averted his face. 

^ Tell me,’ she resumed, ‘ do you not yourselves 
look for this V 

^ Why, I believe the expectation has always been 
cherished among us,’ said Mr. Cohen : ^ but I cannot 
say that, as yet, I see any indications of its being well 
grounded. The time may come, though not in our 
day : meanwhile we have little to complain of in our 
present state j and under the light of the nineteenth 
century, I expect the few remaining prejudices will 
wholly subside, and we shall take our place, divested 
of all invidious distinctions, among the nations where 
now we hold a somewhat unfavorable and anomalous 
position.’ 

‘ I cannot agree with you,’ said Mrs. Ryan. ‘ The 
writings of Moses and the prophets distinctly point to 
a national restoration, not only of Judah and Benja- 
min, but of the scattered, long lost Ten Tribes, again 
to inherit the land which God gave to Abraham ; to 
build up the old wastes, to restore the desolations of 
many generations ; and your daily services in the syn- 
agogue so hinge upon that prediction, that you can 
scarcely point out a prayer which does not plead the 
promise of God to bring you back’ 

Alick had never seen his father look so perplexed ; 
yet there was not much dissatisfaction in his counte- 
nance. Mrs. Ryan’s was glowing with eager anima- 


116 


JUDAH'S LION. 


tion ; and Ben-Melchor looked the personification of 
pride. Mr. Cohen suddenly turned to him, and said, 
‘ You are better able to decide this question than L’ 

^ What question, brother V 

‘ Whether our people are to repossess the land of 
our fathers,’ 

‘ Is yonder sun to rise again?’ asked Ben-Melchor. 

‘ Not more surely,’ said Mrs. Ryan, ‘ than Israel is 
to repossess the land : for the Lord has said that if the 
ordinances of the sun, moon, and stars depart from 
before him, then may Israel cease from being a nation 
before him, for ever ; and again, ‘ If ye can break my 
covenant of the da})^, and my covenant of the night, 
and that there should not he day and night in their 
season j then may also my covenant he broken with 
David my servant, that he should not have a son to 
reign upon his throne ; and with the Levites the 
priests, my ministers.” And once more, “ Thus saith 
the Lord ; if my covenant be not with day and night, 
and if I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven 
and earth; then will I cast away the seed of Jacob, 
and David my servant, so that I will not take any of 
his seed to be rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, 
and Jacob: for I will cause their captivity to return, 
and have mercy on them.” ’ 

^ If those words are in our law,’ said Mr. Cohen, 

‘ they are very encouraging.’ 

^ The words are truth!’ ejaculated Ben-Melchor ; 
^the Holy One (blessed be he) hath spoken them.’ 

‘Have you, sir, a copy of your liturgy with youf 
asked Mrs. Ryan, who seemed roused to shame the 
coldness of this liberal Jew. 


JUDAH' S LION. 


117 


* Why it happens that in looking out some things 
for this trip, I transferred a prayer-book from my 
karger trunk, and it is now in my cabin.’ Without 
waiting for another word, Alick, whose caution seemed 
all to be forgotten, flew down stairs, and brought up 
the liturgy in constant use among them, to which he 
had never given the smallest attention. Mrs. Ryan 
took the book, and turning to the; concluding part, the 
office of the Hosanna Rahba, read as follows : ‘ The 
voice of (Elijah,) who bringeth glad tidings and said 
— Thy salvation will I strengthen when he (Messiah) 
Cometh ; it is the voice of my beloved, coming, and 1 
will declare the glad tidings. It is the voice of him 
who cometh with myriads of saints, standing on the 
mount of Olives, and I will declare the glad tidings. 
It is the voice of him, (Messiah,) when he cometh at 
the sound of the great cornet when the mountain will 
divide ; and I will declare the glad tidings. It is the 
voice of him (Elijah) proclaiming the redemption 
from captivity, and the (Messiah) coming with all his 
pious ones with him ; and I will declare the glad 
tidings. It is the voice of the Bathkol roaring from 
Zion, proclaiming freedom to the whole world ; and 1 
will declare the glad tidings. It is the voice of com- 
passion pressing on the seed (Israel) for they will be 
deemed innocent as infants in the womb of their 
mothers ; and I will declare the glad tidings.^' ’ She 
passed over a few words, and continued, ^ It is the 
voice of the pure one who worketh and beholdeth aU 
these things ; and I will declare the glad tidings. It 
is the voice of salvation, proclaiming the welcome 
period of the earth’s acknowledging the unity of his 


118 


JUDAH S LION. 


name ; and I will declare the glad tidings. It is the 
voice of the Mighty One of heaven and earth, ex- 
claiming, Can a nation be horn at once ? and I will 
declare the glad tidings. It is the voice proclaiming 
the period of redemption ; and the people shall see 
light, ^ and it shall come to pass, at even-tide there 
shall be light,’ and I will declare the glad tidings. It 
is the voice of the Saviour’s going up to mount Zion, 
who will heal the sick, and will redeem the children 
of Zion, and I will declare the glad tidings. It is the 
voice that shall be heard in all thy borders, to enlarge 
the places of thy dwellings ; and I will declare the glad 
tidings. It is the voice crying to make thy residence 
unto Damascus for the reception of thy sons and thy 
daughters ; and I will declare the glad tidings. It is 
the voice to make glad the rose of Sharon ; for they 
shall rise who sleep in Hebron, and I will declare the 
glad tidings. It is the voice crying, Turn ye to me, 
for on the day ye hearken, ye shall be saved ; and 1 
will declare the glad tidings. It is the voice of the 
man whose name is the branch, and this self-same 
branch is David ; and I will declare the glad tidings. 
It is the voice proclaiming, rise ye up from the dust, 
awake and shout, ye who inhabit the dust ; and 1 will 
declare the glad tidings. It is the voice of the multi- 
tude praising the reign of the Messiah, making great 
the salvation of his kingdom ; and I will declare the 
glad tidings. It is the voice exclaiming, the name 
of the wicked shall perish, but he will show mercy to 
his anointed one, even David; and I will declare the 
g^ad tidings. It is the voice of granting salvation to 


Judah’s lion. 


119 


his people for ever, even to David and his seed to 
everlasting.” 

The silence that reigned while the lady, with equal 
solemnity and animation, recited this remarkable 
portion of Hebrew worship, was unbroken. Her 
auditors listened, almost breathlessly ; and the very 
sailors as they passed and repassed, trod lightly on 
the planks. Closing the book, she said, ‘ This is your 
hope, and this is ours. O that He, the God of 
Abraham, may hasten that glorious day when there 
shall be one King over all the earth, and his name. 
One ! Do not forego this prospect : do not let the poor 
advantages that may be obtained among Gentile 
nations divert your eyes from looking, your hearts 
from longing, for the consolation of Israel. The 
promise is given : though it tarry, wait for it — it 
will surely come and not tarry.” There, Mr. Cohen, 
is your book, some parts of which are indeed con- 
trary to Scripture ; but there are very few prayers in 
it to which I cannot respond with a fervent amen ; far, 
far unlike are they to the idolatrous abominations that 
lately on this very spot pained our ears, insulting the 
Most High God. Oh, that you would seek to the 
Fountain-head of all truth, where the water of life 
flows freely, unmingled with man’s inventions ! Then 
should you understand the counsel of the Lord, then 
should you clearly see what precious things are re- 

♦ “ The form of daily prayers, according to the custom of the 
German and Polish Jews, as read in their synagogues, and used 
in their families.” — Printed and sold by Abrahams, Hounsditch. 
A. M. 5596. 


120 


JUDAH'S LION. 


served for you; and hear indeed the voice saying. 
“ Turn ye to me, for on the day ye hearken ye shall 
be saved !” ’ 

Without giving time for any one to reply, sue took 
Charley by the hand, and with an obeisance not only 
courteous hut respectful, she quitted the deck, and de- 
scended to her cabin, to pour out a full, and on this 
occasion, a thankful heart. 

Alick looked at his father : he had never seen him 
wear so solemn an aspect. Mr. Cohen had opened 
the book, and was attentively reading the passage 
over. Ben-Melchor suddenly exclaimed, ‘ That wo- 
man hath studied the law, which was not made for 
women to study ; yet it hath given her wisdom : she 
will pervert many. Youth, beware of her !’ 

‘ 1 wish he may never meet with anything more 
needful to beware of,’ said Mr. Cohen abruptly, 
‘ Come Alick, I want you to read to me : we have 
been too little together of late, considering in how 
small a space we are cooped up.’ Then, bowing to 
Ben-Melchor, he took Alick’ s arm, led him to his 
cabin, and to the youth’s great astonishment desired 
him to begin and read aloud the Hebrew Liturgy, 
which he did with extreme readiness, and with in- 
creasing wonder that he should have been so insen- 
sible to its bearing on the point that of late had 
almost exclusively occupied his thoughts. He longed 
unspeakably to discuss it with Mrs. Ryan ; and in the 
meantime, after leaving his father, occupied himself 
in ascertaining that the Psalms and other scriptural 
portions contained in that book exactly corresponded 


JUDAH S LION. 


121 


with his Hebrew Bible, and the latter with the Eng- 
lish. He seemed to have now something tangible, 
both as regarded Judaism and Christianity, and re- 
solved to make use of it in deciding the momentous 
question, of which he felt that the importance hourly 
increased 


n 


CHAPTER IX. 


All restraint was now completely removed, as re- 
garded the main subjects of Alick’s conversations with 
Mrs, Ryan and Charley. It was a plain question 
between them, whether real Judaism was or was not 
Christianity ; and to this end she especially urged 
upon him what he felt to be a very powerful argu- 
ment, — the sinfulness of man’s nature, of which, 
through the application of God’s law to his secret con- 
science, he already began to feel more than theoreti- 
cally convinced, — the absolute necessity of some 
atoning sacrifice for that guilt ; and, supposing that 
any one could really believe that the blood of bulls 
and of goats had power to take away sin, the compul- 
sory cessation of those ordinances prescribed in the 
Mosaic law, and the consequent condemnation of the 
whole world, Jew and Gentile alike, for seventeen 
centuries. Having established this, she proceeded to 
show in a very simple and beautiful manner, how 
perfectly every type was fulfilled in the Lord Jesus; 
and how distinctly he is set forth as “ the end of the 
law for righteousness to every one that believeth,” 
not only in the writings of the Apostles, but of the 
Prophets. Alick’s mind was of a fine order, and pe- 
culiarly fitted for deep investigation : and being now 
for the first time really interested, it was for the first 


Judah’s lion. 


123 


*^ime fairly drawn out: so that the present topic en- 
grossed it with exclusive power. Ben-Melchor had 
distinctly established the authenticity of the Hebrew 
version of the Old Testament which Mrs. Ryan had 
given to him ; but at the same time denounced his 
stndy of it, in that pure state, as contrary to the law 
of the Rabbins his father, on the contrary, assured 
him that it was very frequently used among the Jews 
of their own acquaintance who were at all inclined to 
obtain credit, as he said, for theological learning and 
piety : and that their little devotee, Esther, was con- 
stantly poring over it in her retire^ment. From all 
this Alick gathered that he might with perfect con- 
fidence refer every question to its decision, and as 
Mrs. Ryan was well pleased to do the same, their 
arguments went mainly to establish the correspond- 
ence or the discrepancy of the New Testament with 
the Old. One great advantage was gained by the 
early acquaintance into which Alick had been brought 
with the idolatrous errors of Popery : he could himself 
disprove many of them by very plain passages in the 
Bible ; and she took occasion ’by this to show him 
how similarly unfounded and unscriptural were the 
doctrines and traditions of the Talmudists. 

For instance, on a strict fast-day, which occurred 
while they were at sea, after a night of very trouble- 
some navigation, when the poor sailors, greatly need- 
ing refre.shment, looked quite wan and dejected for 
the lack of it, and the captain was particularly audible 
and voluble before his image, Alick remarked that it 
was doing a great injustice to the character of the 
Most Merciful to suppose that He could take any 


124 


JUDAH' S LION. 


pleasure in seeing them crawling about the ship, 
hungry and uncomfortable. Mrs. Ryan warmly as* 
sented, and added, ‘ They really believe it is an 
acceptable service, and very efficacious in atoning foi 
sin.' 

‘ Well,’ said Alick, ‘ tney did not learn such a notion 
out o! ‘ my Scriptures, at any rate, whatever the other 
book may say.’ 

‘ The other book,’ replied Mrs. Ryan, ‘ which by 
the way, is not another, says, “ Bodily exercise pro- 
fiteth little,” and stigmatizes as “ doctrines of devils” 
the forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain 
from meats.” ’ 

‘ Then, so far we agree ; for look here, what Isaiah 
says, “ Is it such a fast as that I have chosen? a day 
for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his 
head like a bull-rush, and to spread sackcloth and 
ashes under him ? wilt thou call this a fast, and an 
acceptable day unto the Lord ?” ’ 

‘ Will you read the eleventh verse of that fifty- 
eighth chapter ?’ said Mrs. Ryan eagerly : ‘ it is to 
show what shall be the consequence of your people’s 
forsaking ‘these empty forms of erring devotion, and 
worshipping and serving the Lord, according to his 
own will.’ 

Alick read — ^ “ And they that shall be of thee shall 
build the old waste places : thou shalt raise up the 
foundations of many generations, and thou shalt be 
called. The repairer of the breach. The restorer of 
paths to dwell in.” This refers to our restoration, 
certainly ; but I don’t see how it applies ; for we ar« 
quite free from such Gentile abominations.’ 


Judah’s lion. 


125 


‘No, she replied, ‘look at your prayer-book, and 
read in the afternoon service for the fast, :what you 
appear not to have noticed. It is at page 37.’ Alick 
presently found it, and read, “ Sovereign of the Uni- 
verse ! it is clearly known unto thee that whilst the 
holy temple was established, if a man sinned, he 
brought an offering, of which they only offered its fat 
and blood, yet didst thou in thine abundant mercy 
grant him pardon ; but now, because of our iniquities, 
the holy temple is destroyed, and we have neither 
sanctuary nor priest to atone for us. O may it there- 
fore be acceptable in thy presence that the diminution 
of my fat and blood, which hath been diminished this 
day, may be accounted as fat offered and placed on 
the altar, and thus be accepted of me.” ‘ I can’t say 
that I like that, Mrs. Ryan : really it does savour of 
Popery, I am sorry to confess.’, 

‘ True, and it does not savour of the Bible ; for 
look how the Lord rejects something very similar to 
it, Micah vi. 6 — 8. “ Wherewith shall I come before 

the Lord, and bow myself before the high God ? 
shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with 
calves of a year old ? Will the Lord be pleased w’th 
thousands of rams or with ten thousands of rivers of 
oil? shall I give my first-born for my transgression, 
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul ? He hath 
showed thee, O man, what is good ; and what doth 
the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love 
mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?-” 

‘ That,’ said Alick, ‘ does away with sacrifices of 
every kind, and provides no atonement at all, but a 
man’s good works.’ 


11 


1^6 


judah's lion. 


^ O far, far from it. “ He hath showed thee, O 
man, what is good,” the alarmed soul is directed to 
some revelation of God, providing the remedy that 
he would vainly purchase by the blood of beasts, oi 
that of his own flesh ; and upon this text alone, Mr. 
Cohen, I can rest, to prove the utter insufficiency of 
all that man can do — ^the certainty that God has done 
for him what he never could achieve for himself To 
ascertain what this was, turn to the fifty-third of 
Isaiah.’ 

But Charles had already found the chapter, and 
his sweet little voice, reading it throughout, gave the 
utmost eflect to its touching words. 

In this way Mrs Ryan proceeded, at once vindica- 
ting Christianity from the abominations of Popery, and 
Judaism from those of the Talmud. Mr. Cohen mean- 
while, encouraged Alick to talk to him on the subject 
of their own faith, and even allowed him to read those 
passages from the prophetic writings which positively 
foretel the restoration of Israel to their own land. On 
one occasion, he said, ^ You must curb your enthusiasm 
my dear boy : whatever pleasant dreams you may in- 
dulge in, as to that far distant period of which our holy 
prophets certainly speak very clearly : remember, our 
present business is with our own times, and the men 
of our own times ; an advancement among the nations 
such as we are looking for in England, where places 
of high trust and honour will not long be closed against 
us, is worth seeking, if only to facilitate the events on 
which your heart is so much fixed. You don’t want 
lo see a procession of old clothe smen,’ he added smi* 


Judah’s lion. 


127 


img, ‘ with greasy beards, and sacks over their shouh 
ders, returning to Jerusalem ?’ 

But Alick did not smile. ^Father, they are Jews, 
and I am a Jew, and to Jerusalem we shall all return. 
It may be in a depressed and humble state, that in 
our own land the favor of God may first shine on us 
to raise us out of the dust : but I never will allow that 
our path lies upward among the Gentiles, crawling 
and creeping from grade to grade, till we attain suf- 
ficient importance to restore ourselves. No, no, sir: 
we shall never restore ourselves — the Lord our God, 
He will restore us.’ 

Mr. Cohen looked at the youth’s erect person, his 
extended arm, and animated gesture, and secretly 
thought what a fine parliamentary speaker he would 
one day become. He then said with his accustomed 
good-humour, ‘ Well, my dear boy, far be it from me 
to check your patriotic feelings, since you do feel that 
Jerusalem is indeed our country, the land of our fa- 
thers, the land that God gave to Abraham, and which 
I heartily hope will be restored to Abraham’s pos- 
terity. We only differ as to the way of its accomplish- 
ment, and probably that difference arises only from 
my longer intercourse with this matter-of-fact world. 
I have been an enthusiast myself, Alick, though I 
confess not in a cause so high as what you are en- 
gaged in : had my thoughts been turned into that 
channel, ’tis not improbable that I might some thirty 
years ago, have raised a Hebrew corps from among 
the most despised of our brethren in London, and un- 
dertaken the re-conquest of Syria. So you see I can 
make allowances for your sanguine anticipations of 


128 


Judah’s lion. 


what, possibly, your children may, in their old age, see 
the beginning of. Be as national as you please : if 
you don’t serve your people in one way, you may in 
another.* 

‘ Dear father, how kind you always are to me ! I* 
does make me so happy to find you willing to indulge 
me in talking on this subject.’ 

^It would be very unnatural in me not to do so, 
Alick. To say truth, I am the more willing to in- 
dulge you in talking to me, because you so readily 
and honourably gave up the intercourse with a person 
of whom I could not approve, on board ship.’ 

Alick coloured : ^ Indeed, sir, I do not deserve that 
commendation ; I was not ready to give up his society, 
but he himself positively refused to allow me to carry 
on the acquaintance against your will.’ 

‘ He was afraid of his superior officers.’ 

^ No ; he proved to me out of the law of Moses that 
to disobey my parents was a very great offence in 
God’s sight.’ 

^ He spoke truth: it was punishable with death.’ 

; ‘ So he told me, sir, and also that the command, so 
far from being abrogated, was confirmed by — by — 

‘ By the Christian religion, I suppose ? very likely : 
for I remember seeing in a church the law of the ten 
commandments very conspicuously displayed in gilt 
letters, on what they consider the most sacred part of 
the building. I am glad, however, to find that the 
old seaman was so honest’ 

Here the matter dropped : but Alick had got a new 
idea out of which to frame a question for Mrs. Ryan^ 

‘Do you imitate the Temple, and the synagogue 


Judah’s lion. 


129 


worship in your churches said he. ‘ Have you the 
ark there V 

‘ No ; what makes you think so V 

^ Only, my father was talking of your deeming a 
part of your churches more holy than any other part’ 

^ Indeed we do not ; or if any do, they have no 
warrant either of Scripture or of our church for their 
superstitious notion. There is a table in all our places 
of worship, on which the bread and wine are placed, 
at the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, and this table 
is ordered to be put on one side when not wanted. 
Unhappily, most of our older churches were built du- 
ring the domination of Popery ; and as they have a 
pagan altar, and a recess in the east end always to fix 
it in, surmounted and surrounded with such things as 
you saw in the captain’s cabin, we, for convenience’ 
sake had our table set there ; and to fill up the space 
that was stripped of the idolatrous images and pic- 
tures, we, very properly, exhibit the ten command- 
ments, of which, you know, one solemnly prohibits 
what we by God’s grace have abjured. Gradually 
the bringing of the table out into the chancel or body 
of the church was discontinued, and the congregation 
directed to go up instead ; and for the preservation of 
articles laid upon it, and to prevent inconvenient pres- 
sure, a railing was thrown across. From this, some 
ignorant people came to attach a sort of sanctity to 
what was so exclusive : and the error — as error always 
does — spread a good deal. The table is called even 
an altar by some, though we allow of no sacrifice but 
the sacrifice of thanksgiving ofiered up on the altar of 
our hearts, and made acceptable by Christ’s sacrifice. 


130 


judah’s lion. 


No person who studies the Bible can be led away into 
the unscriptural folly of attributing to any one part of 
a Christian house of prayer greater holiness than to 
any other part ; nor can a person who reads the ca- 
nons and other formularies of our church convict her 
of countenancing it’ 

‘ I am glad I asked you, Ma’am,’ said Alick ; ‘ for 
to confess the truth, the more I see of your wide sepa- 
ration from this disgusting idolatry, the more willing 
I am to listen to your opinions. I’m sure I owe a 
great deal to you : I have learned to love my own 
people, and the God of my people, far better since I 
listened to your instruction ; and if I don’t believe all 
that you do, it is because I have not yet found it plainly 
declared in my own Scriptures, which I know to be 
God’s word, and by which I am resolved to judge of 
ev( thing I hear.’ 



Mrs. Ryan was deeply interested by her young 
companion’s state of feeling ; and rejoiced at the 
sturdy determination which he expressed, to believe 
nothing that militated against Moses and the prophets. 
She was, however, about to enjoy the assistance of a 
very unexpected auxiliary in the good work. Two 
days after they passed Cape Colonna, while slowly 
bending their course close by a small rocky island, a 
boat was seen to put off from its shore, and to row evi- 
dently towards their bark. Alick was on deck, Charley 
on his knee, watching a most glorious sunset, and plea- 
santly chatting, when this boat engaged their atten- 
tion, and the warning of the steersmen that she was 
making for them, elicited a great many guesses, and 
playful remarks as to who could be coming to pay 


Judah’s lion. 


131 


them a visit. ‘ Some nice little boy, Charley, to romp 
about with you, and to put your Jew friend into a 
corner.’ 

‘ No, Mr. Alick, nobody can do that, sure they can’t ! 
Ah, I love you with all the veins of my heart ; I do, 
I do,’ and he hugged him warmly. 

‘ Time will show, Charley ; I’m desperately afraid 
of a rival.’ 

The boat neared, and soon hailed them, and a 
gentleman stood up, at sight of whom Charley gave 
a sudden start, and changed color, staring at Alick in 
evident perplexity : but the sound of a loud, cheerful^ 
bold voice, asking, in not very perfect Italian, whether 
there was a lady on board, put an end to Charley’s 
difficulties ; he. struggled most violently to get free 
from Alick, who held him fast on account of the sud- 
den' stir on board, and shrieked out ‘ Papa ! papa !’ 

A very few seconds elapsed after this outcry, ere a 
fine, officer-like man sprang on deck ; and Alick, not 
a little astonished at the sudden verification of his 
playful prognostics, allowed the boy to leap from his 
arms into those of his delighted father, and then with 
a right creditable feeling ran down to apprise Mrs. 
Ryan in the least startling way he could, of the ar- 
rival of her husband, and hastened to his own little 
berth. 

His first feeling was one of vexation, at being in- 
terrupted and rivalled in the enjoyment of his inter- 
course with his friends : but this gave place to satis- 
faction in the prospect of such an addition as Captain 
Ryan promised to be to their party. He was won- 
derfully pleased with his trumpet-toned voice, the 


132 


JUDAH S LION. 


elasticity of his step, the spirit of his movements, and 
above all, with the fire of an eye that melted at onee 
into the softest tenderness when his little boy rushed 
towards him ; and even at that moment, a smile of 
courteous apology seemed to crave Alick’s indulgence 
for his young charge’s rudeness, and to thank him for 
his care. ‘ He is a fine fellow, and a nice fellow, or 
I am much mistaken,’ thought Ahck ; ‘ and I can 
contradict him fiat in an argument, instead of the 
round-about, polite way I have to contradict the 
lady in.’ 

His soliloquies were interrupted by Charley, who, 
bouncing in, and jumping, said, ‘ No, not even Papa 
shall put you into a corner, you love of a Jew ! I’m 
come to tell you so : and Papa says you are the broth 
of a boy, for taking care of me ; and he will love you 
too.’ 

‘ The broth of a boy! what’s that? I never was 
boiled’ — 

‘ Oh that’s an Irish saying. They call O’Connell 
the broth of a boy, and we call Me’ Ghee the broth of 
a boy.’ 

‘ Then it’s a comphment, I suppose : but without 
your explanation I should have thought it a question* 
able one.’ 

Very soon afterwards. Captain Ryan appeared on 
deck again, where Charley had led his friend, and 
with the most polished suavity of manner, combined 
with great frankness, bowed to Alick, then extended 
his hand, and warmly thanked him for his care of 
Charley ; adding, * His dear mother says you have 
quite taken charge him ; and saved him from many 


Judah’s lion. 


133 


an hour’s confinement to the cabin below, by enabling 
her to feel how perfectly safe be was under youl 
guardianship.’ 

‘ Indeed, sir,’ said Alick, ^ no small part of the obli- 
gation is on my side. I should have been very dull 
without the society of my little friend and his mamma : 
and much more ignorant than I am, but for their in- 
structions,’ he added, while Charley’s eyes danced 
with delight, as he looked at his father ; who, fixing 
a gaze on the young Jew that bespoke a feeling of 
most intense and affectionate interest, said, ^ My dear 
Cohen, the hand that brought you together in this 
small vessel, is one that does nothing in vain.’ 

Captain Ryan was one of those sensible men who 
know that by an instant avowal of their real charac- 
ters and feelings, as disciples of the Lord, they shall 
save themselves much probable embarrassment, and 
avoid many snares. He could not agree with some, 
who, in order not to startle or alarm prematurely 
such as they hope, nevertheless, to do good to, hold 
back the distinguishing badge of their service, and 
to the worldly become as worldlings that they may 
gain the worldly, — a very dangerous and mistaken 
parody on the apostle’s proceedings with regard to 
others. He never lost any time in committing him- 
self, that he might the sooner be actively engaged ; 
and no man was better fitted, as to natural gifts, foi 
a combat of the kind — no man more unreservedly 
threw himself on divine help, and the wisdom that 
cometh from above. He was exceedingly energetic, 
fuU of vivacity, perpetually in motion, using much, 
but by no means extravagant or affected gesticulation. 


134 


jxjdah’s lion. 


In his language, plain, blunt, and with a constant 
vein of Irish humour that sparkled in his eye, and 
played about his smiling mouth. A noble forehead, 
with a profusion of sandy hair, that defied the hand 
of art to keep its curls in any order. Added to all 
this, the military gait, and quick, comprehensive 
glance that seemed to take in all around him, formed 
a person so unlike any that Alick had lately seen, or 
ever associated with, that he was perfectly delighted, 
and felt a most longing desire to plunge into all the 
depths of the subjects that exercised his Mind, with 
a person so evidently able and willing to encounter 
any antagonist. ‘ I like these Christians more and 
more,’ said he to himself, ‘ that is, the Christians who 
seem to understand the things they profess to believe ; 
and who, because they think themselves in the right, 
try to make others agree with them instead of des- 
pising them for differing, or, what comes to the same 
thing, not caring whether the rest of the world go 
right or wrong. What noble Jews they would make, 
Gordon, and Ryan, and my little Charley also: but 
God alone can make a Jew; so it is of no use my 
wishing they were of the children of Abraham.’ 
Alick did> not yet know that God alone can make a 
Christian. 

It was a beautiful moonlight night ; and as Alick 
rechned on the bulwarks, musing over the deep blue 
sea, after the usual hour of rest, he was surprised to 
see Mrs. Ryan approach, leaning on her husband’s 
arm. She greeted him with affectionate warmth, and 
said, ‘ You see, I am not slow in availing myself of 
this unexpected privilege, to enjoy what, as a solitary 


JUDAH S LION. 


135 


female, I could not indulge myself in — the still air 
of night, and the lovely moonbeams on the water.’ 

‘ I have often regretted it, Ma’am,’ replied Alick, 
• when I have sat here alone, only half pleased with 
the beauties that surrounded me, because I had no 
one to join in admiring them. I don’t know, though, 
whether I ought to regret it : for I assure you those 
lonely hours have helped very much to fix on my 
mind things that you have taught me during the little 
time we passed together.’ 

‘ You are a most unprejudiced fellow,’ said Captain 
Ryan. 

‘ Not much to my credit, sir : had I been a better 
Jew, I should have had more prejudices; hut the fact 
is, I was neither one thing nor another.’ 

‘And what are you now, Cohen?’ 

‘ A Jew, Captain Ryan : by natural descent and 
inheritance ; by profession ; and, I am thankful to say, 
by most deliberate choice and conviction ; if it were 
a matter where a man might choose whether he 
would be of royal blood or no.’ His innate politeness 
made him blush at the consciousness that he had 
spoken these words in a tone and with a manner too 
haughty for his years ; but the smile that they elicited 
from his friends was one of affectionate gratification, 
and he felt quite at ease. 

‘ I wish,’ said Captain Ryan, ‘ you would adopt the 
language of a countryman of yours, who was exceed- 
ingly tenacious of the high privilege in which you 
glory : he says, “We that are Jews by nature, and not 
sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not 
justified by the works of the law but by the faith of 


136 


jijdah’s lion. 


Jesus Christ; even we have believed in Jesus Christ, 
that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and 
not by the works of the law : for by the works of the 
law shall no flesh be justified.” * 

‘ I partly understand that/ said Alick, thoughtfully, 
^ for I cannot bring myself to believe that the works 
which Ben-Melchor thinks so needful and beneficial ^ 
long fasts, exposure to cold, prayers recited by the 
dozen, and various positions of body to be gone 
through, will do any thing towards obtaining God’s 
favor hereafter.’ 

‘ Ben-Melchor! have you got him on board?’ 

‘ Yes ; do you know him ?’ 

‘ As an old, most subtle antagonist : he has often 
acted the part of Elymas, in seeking to turn away 
some enquirer from the faith. Beware of his sophis- 
tries.’ 

‘ I am in no danger from him : he tries to dissuade 
me from reading the scriptures, which is as if a man 
in the dark, going to look for some treasure, was to 
begin by blowing out his candle.’ 

‘ Y ou are right : hold fast that doctrine, for it is the 
root of all the rest. And now, since you admit that 
the way of justification is not by man’s doings or 
deservings — in Paul’s words, “ not by the works of the 
law”— tell me, how do you, in your own person, 
expect to be justified before God ?’ 

‘ I am not sure that I exactly understand your 
meaning,’ 

‘My meaning is this: you are mortal, you muF* 
die ; you must appear before God to give account ^ 
yourself: you are a sinner, you must be forgiven yc 


Judah’s lion. 


137 


iniquities, and moreover counted worthy of reward 
and exaltation: for there is no medium ; if you escape 
hell you must enjoy heaven. Now, Cohen, how will 
you escape hell — how will you enter into heaven V 

This was a plain question, plainly put. Alick had 
never felt so startled, so perplexed. Hitherto his 
enquiries had rather tended to the abstract question 
between Judaism and Christianity ; and temporal 
consequences — what should become of his peoplej 
and of him as one among them, were his principal 
object. The matter was now brought home to him: 
placed in a new light, and made one of salvation or 
destruction to himself. He had no answer ready; 
and before he could frame one. Captain Ryan re- 
sumed, as it appeared, very irrelevantly to what he 
had last said, ^ Tell me, Cohen, to what cause do you 
attribute the prolonged dispersion, depression, destruc- 
tion of your people V 

Alick, with some little asperity answered, ^ I know 
you think it is because our fathers crucified Jesus of 
Nazareth.’ 

^ I think no such thing. I believe and am sure that 
the calamities which overtook Jerusalem and her 
people were the consequences of that fearful deed ; 
but far be it from me to say that “ the fathers have 
eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on 
edge.” No : the cause of your continued affliction is 
your still stumbling, from generation to generation, at 
that “ stone of stumbling.” Israel is still outcast, 
because “ they, going about to establish their own 
righteousness, would not submit to the righteousness 
of God.” ‘‘ Because of unbelief they were broken 
12 * 


138 


JUDAH'S LION. 


off and they, if they abide not in unbelief, shall he 
grafted in again.” Such is the language of that Jew 
whose words I before quoted.’ 

‘ You surprise me, Captain Ryan. I always under- 
stood that Christians despise and abhor us entirely on 
that account.’ 

‘ I know it is a common error ; but an error it is, 
having no foundation in Scripture. I repudiate it; I 
hold you “ beloved for the fathers’ sakes,” as a peo- 
ple : and if not now enjoying God’s favour, it is 
because you will not look to Christ, and seek salva- 
tion through him. The promises are yours, but they 
are of no avail to you, being impenetrably sealed, 
with seals that only the Lion of the tribe of Judah has 
power to open. Ask of him, and he will remove every 
impediment to your full possession of all those pre- 
cious promises. Not the transgressions of your fathers, 
but your own transgressions separate between you 
and him. When you know him as your Saviour, and 
hail in him your long-expected Messiah, you will 
indeed mourn in bitterness of heart the cruelties 
heaped on him by those whom he came to seek and 
to save ; but for the present, deal with him only as 
concerns the salvation of your soul; believe that God 
hath set him forth as a propitiation for sin ; and sutler 
not the question to slumber till you have satisfactorily 
solved it from the pages of the Holy Bible-— how you, 
shall escape hell ; how you shall obtain an inheritance 
in the kingdom of heaven.’ 


CHAPTER X. 


The more Alick Cohen pondered upon the conver- 
sation that had passed on the deck, the more out of 
humour he felt, and the more disposed to find fault 
with his new acquaintance. The home question, so 
plainly, so unexpectedly put, seemed to ring in his 
ears, with all the emphasis of earnest interrogation 
that had marked its delivery. He had no answer; 
and in such cases the enemy of souls ever suggests 
evasions, or raises objections that will prevail to harden 
the conscience, and to seal up the mind in deeper 
darkness than before, if a stronger than he be not 
working in the heart of the sinner. But Alick’s case 
was not of this character : two devoted servants of the 
Lord, equally anxious for the soul of an erring brother, 
speaking the truth to him in love, with boldness and 
simplicity, then together pouring out prayer for a 
blessing on the seed so cast, will shake the pillars of 
Satan’s throne, be it established where it may. The 
very fact of it being brought into contact with an 
unconverted person, and finding both will and oppor- 
tunity given to plead with him, and a desire to seek 
the Lord on his behalf, will encourage any true 
Christian confidently to believe that there is a pur- 
pose of mercy towards that sinner, and that the set' 
time to favour him 4s come. 


140 


judah’s lion 


Our dear young Jew could not account lor the ex- 
treme fretfulness of his feeling when left alone. 
^ Pho !’ thought he, ‘ why need I trouble my head 
with the officious talk of a stranger who knows no- 
thing about me ? Of course, as a Jew, this upstart 
Gentile thinks I must needs be on the high road to 
Gehenna. I wonder what road his ancestors were 
on, when mine were the acknowledged people of 
Jehovah, the glory and the terror of the world!’ He 
took one proud, striding, tutn upon the little deck, 
while a vision of Jerusalem’s ancient grandeur — her 
temple, her Sheckinah, and all the magnificence of 
her kingly pomp in Solomon’s day, shone before his 
mental sight ; then resumed his soliloquy — ‘ If all 
these glories are departed, Zion become a desolation, 
ploughed as a field, left as a besieged city, a lodge in 
a garden of cucumbers, her children scattered, peeled, 
become a proverb, a bye-word, and a reproach — ex- 
posed to the taunts, and still worse, to the impertinent 
preaching of the lowest of the Goim ; if,’ — here his 
feelings overpowered him : he sat down, and resting 
liis folded arms on the bulwarks, laid his head upon 
them, murmuring, ‘ Oh, will the God of our fathers 
never forgive — never restore his people to his love I’ 
Tears, which had seldom dimmed his bright joy- 
ous eyes, stole down for a few moments, and he felt 
relieved. ‘ Well, I am wrong to blame thi^ worthy 
man for wishing me well after his way. He spoke of 
the Lion too ; and now I’ll go read those glorious pro- 
phetic blessings of my father Abraham, and forget 
this little vexation.’ What the little vexation was, 
Alick would have found it difficult to explain — it was 


Judah’s lion. 


141 


simply that he had been asked how he should be 
saved, and he could not find an answer! 

To the book of Genesis he now turned, by the light 
of his friendly lantern, and read with a swelling heart 
till he came to the words, “ The sceptre shall not de- 
part from Judah, nor a lawgiver from- between his 
feet, until Shiloh come ; and unto him shall the gather- 
ing of the people be.” Gen. xlix. 10. He had heard 
the Christian interpretation of this passage insisted on 
more than once by his Gentile friends ; and now it 
struck him with a force that quite arrested his read- 
ing. ^ I will know the meaning of this,’ said he ; ^ I’ll 
ask my father, Ben-Melchor, every Jew I meet, till I 
get at the right inference. The sceptre is departed, 
the lawgiver has ceased : and therefore Shiloh is 
come. Shiloh I that has something to do with peace 
and blessedness ; and no peace for poor Israel since 
her sceptre departed, but a sword drawn out after us : 
no blessedness, but a curse. Now suppose, just for 
one moment suppose, the Christians were right, and 
that Jesus was — is our Messiah — (if the thought be 
blasphemy may I be forgiven !) suppose it true that 
we rejected him, and are scattered for so doing, then 
it would follow that whenever we returned to him, 
our blessings would return to us. Time will show: 
meanwhile, I will go with my people. When they 
confess him. I’ll confess him. I’ll wait for that time 
patiently ; and so. Captain Ryan, your question is 
answered.’ He resumed his reading ; but in a mo- 
ment after a dreadful clash was heard, the planks 
vibrated under his feet, a scream followed, and he 
rushed to the fofeship whence it proceeded ; where, 


142 


rUDAH’s LION. 


also, in a few seconds all the little crew were assem ■ 
bled, together with the gentlemen from below. A 
heavy mass of coiled chain had fallen from its posi- 
tion, and under it lay the head of a youth about his 
own age, a young sailor, whose cheerful, good-hu- 
moured countenance and obliging ways had rendered 
him a general favourite. With all speed the chain 
was lifted from him, but a bruised and bleeding mass 
was all that appeared of that smiling face and grace- 
ful head. Instantaneous destruction had overtaken 
him ; no spark of life remained ; and as the specta- 
tors sadly and silently drew back, leaving the youth’s 
dead body in the hands of his shipmates, Alick en- 
countered Captain Ryan, who grasped his hand with- 
out uttering a word, and casting up a look peculiarly 
humble and sorrowful towards heaven, passed on. It 
was wisely done to refrain from speaking at such a 
moment : the spectacle before them was the voice of 
Him before whom man must be silent. Alick assisted 
his father back to his cabin, surprised and alarmed at 
the extreme tremor of a robust frame which he knew 
enclosed a most intrepid spirit. He hastily gave him 
a cordial, after which Mr. Cohen said, ‘ This sea- 
sickness unnerves a man, Alick ; but indeed the stout- 
est might tremble at being startled from sleep to be- 
hold such a fearful sight. You are pale and cold too, 
my dear boy ; take a glass yourself Really you think 
more of any one than of one who is of more value 
than half the rest.’ 

^ Perhaps, father, that poor boy was of far greater 
value than I. Some widowed mother might depend 


Judah's lion. 


143 


on his aid ; some helpless sister may he left unpro- 
tected.' 

‘ God is good, Alick : we must hope the best’ 

^ Ay, father ; but God is just too ; and how terrible 
are his denunciations against idolatry!’ 

Mr. Cohen was silent: Alick expected a reproof 
for his illiberal remark, but to. his great surprise his 
father, after a moment’s pause said, ^ In truth that 
was what caused my emotion. Poor, poor fellow 1 
I heard him not half an hour ago chanting in a low 
tone his devotions to some false god or goddess. I 
knew his fine voice well, and used to listen with plea- 
sure, and really, Alick, my conscience smote me dread- 
fully to think I had found gratification in what has cost 
him his soul.’ 

^ Well, father, do lie down now. We are in life > 
blessed be the Holy One of Israel I and may we never 
be called unprepared.’ 

Mr. Cohen blessed him — it was a custom that he 
rarely observed, though among his nation generally it 
is regarded as a regular duty : but in fact, with the 
exception of Esther, Mr. Cohen’s household were- 
Jews but in name and race. Alick’s heart leaped as 
he heard the solemn benediction uttered ; he kissed 
'his father’s hand, and retired to his little berth — the 
deck he did not wish to approach ; for he shrank from 
encountering again that horrifying spectacle. ‘ Poor 
lad !’ thought he : ‘ oh, that the question had been put 
to him which was put to me, and that he had consi- 
dered it, and answered it in time ! This is a warning 
to me : I must not trifle now — the next head that is 
crushed may be my own.’ 


144 


Judah’s lion. 


He stood up, and with a lowly spirit he prayed to 
the God of his fathers to become his teacher. He 
pleaded the mercy shown to Abraham, Isaac, and 
Jacob ; and all the rich promises to their seed. He 
asked to be kept from error, and to be made willing 
to receive truth: and though the Name that is above 
every name was not spoken by his lips in that whis- 
pered prayer, his heart yearned towards the Crucified, 
and its secret language to him was that of the dcubt- 
ing suppliant. ‘ If thou cans’ t do any thing, have 
compassion on us and help us.’ 

He sat down, with a feehng of encouragement quite 
new to him, and without hesitation began to read the 
Gospel of St. John. The decided language roused 
his attention more than anything in the New Testa- 
ment had done. The Word was God. . . The Word 
became flesh and dwelt among us. . . He came unto 
his own, and his own received him not ; but to as 
many as received him to them gave he power to be- 
come the sons of God.’ ^ Why ; here is the whole 
matter in a nutshell, — according to this, Jesus would 
be God: his own, that is the Jews, would not receive 
him, and were, cast off : otheis, that is, the Gentiles, 
received him, and so obtained our place and privi- 
leges. Can this be V He read on and came to the 
Baptist’s testimony — Behold the Lamb of God, 
that taketh away the sin of the world !” ‘ That 

alludes to the lamb slain in sacrifice, which the 
Christians say was a type. I remember the Lion of 
the tribe of Judah, who alone was worthy to open 
the seals of the book, is described as a lamb that had 
been slain: and Jesus said to John, I am He that 


;ui) All's LION. 


145 


live til and was dead, and behold I am alive for ever- 
more.” How these passages do dovetail into one 
another!, “ Taketh away the sin of the world” — 
how ? not in the lump, I should think : for the sacri- 
fices were of no avail except to those who observed 
them as an ordinance of God. The Israelite had to 
lay his hand on the animal’s head, and confess his 
own sins, in order to partake of the benefit ; and* then 
they were carried away into the wilderness — carried 
away : “ taketh away the sin of the world,” — another 
coincidence. So then, I must, if this be truth, have 
my sins taken away by this Lamb of God. What 
sins can I have committed,- to need such a removal V 

Here was the turning-point : Alick closed the book, 
and began to examine his past life. 

He had no settled standard by which to measure 
himself ; at last he thought he must take the cere- 
monial law, and all that the Jews recognized as bind- 
ing on them for the purpose ; but it struck him that 
the Gentiles who had by receiving Christ become sons, 
could not have that law as a rule ; therefore he sought 
for something common to all men. He recollected 
that his father had said, and Mrs. Ryan also, that 
the ten commandments were exhibited in Christian 
churches, an universal code of divine law ; and on thii 
ground he selected the precise rule by which any true 
believer would have directed him to try himself 
Turning to Exodus xx. he began, and the reading of 
the first commandment afforded him perfect satisfac- 
tion ; ‘ I neither have had, nor will have, any other 
God but the Lord my God, who brought my fathers 
out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.* 
13 


146 


JUDAH S LION. 


The second delighted him still more, ‘ Oh, I am not 
only clear in this matter, but I have borne an open 
testimony in the public streets against the sin of idola- 
try. If aU goes on like this, I may be easy enough.* 
The third startled him. ‘ Well, I have used that 
name too lightly, in a moment of anger or levity, I 
have taken it in vain ; may the Holy One forgive me P 
He would have preceded, but was unable. ‘ This is 
a sin, and I as an Israelite should have to confess it on 
the head of the animal, to be forgiven. Well there’s 
no scape-goat, nor lamb for sacrifice here, so how can 
I ? “ Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away 

the sin of the world !” I see how a Christian would 
apply it. But this was only a fault of the tongue : 
I meant no sin, and surely it will be forgiven. I 
won’t be guilty of it again.’ 

He read the fourth, and was confounded, ‘ I know 
how strictly our people keep this day, though we did 
not. The Christians have a sabbath too, and finely 
they keep it ! Men-servants driving their carriages 
about ; maid-servants cooking rich dinners ; cattle 
fagged to death ; and the stranger within their gates 
coming and going by means of such poor over-worked 
cattle, and feasted by the labour of such servants. 
Come, we can none of us plead innocence here. If I 
were the master of a house, I’d feel uncomfortable : 
but being only a child in the house, I could do no other- 
wise than my parents did, who have run in the face 
of this commandment ever since I can remember, 
more shame to them,’ said Alick, and passed on to 
the fifth. 

This proved a terrible blow to him : he had always 


Judah's lion. 


147 


loved his parents, hut never honoured them, until 
within a few days his feelings towards his father had 
become more respectful — better suited to his deport- 
ment. He was a spoilt child, and managed them 
both by finesse, and encouraged the younger children 
to carry any point by teasing. Of their respective in- 
firmities and peculiarities too he had accustomed him- 
self to speak very freely and irreverently, so as to pro- 
voke many rebukes from Esther, and not a few from 
his own better feeling. In short, no excuse that self- 
justifying plausibility could frame, would avail him 
here. He had habitually and systematically broken 
this law — knowingly too, thanks to Esther and old 
Susan, who had kept him perpetually aware of his 
fault ; and how to get rid of this weight he knew not. 
He could not make light of it, as he had done of the 
preceding two : and his distress of mind was great. 
He scarcely noticed the four following, but the tenth 
confounded him. ^ Not covet !’ he exclaimed ; I have 
coveted everything that pleased me, no matter who it 
belonged to. If obtainable, I have purchased it ; if 
not, I have gone on coveting and secretly murmuring 
about it. These four commandments condemn me ; 
and there are many and many, things not specified 
here, which I know to be sinfully wrong, yet I bave 
done them times unnumbered ; and even if I were 
forgiven the past, I fear I should be doing the same 
things through habit or thoughtlessness, often again. 
Oh, for a lamb to take away all these sins; and for 
help to do right in future !’ 

The more he reflected, the more uneasy he be- 
came : memory was awake, conscience roused, and 


148 


judah’s lion. 


he quailed under their rapidly-succeeding acpusations. 
It was long ere he slept, and on rising he felt ill and 
gloomy ; ‘ I will listen to no more of their talk : I am 
young and have plenty of time before me — here the 
recollection of the mangled head suddenly startled 
him : ‘ Oh no, I must not reckon on life ; hut surely I 
need not spoil all the pleasure of the voyage hy brood- 
ing over such distressing things.’ 

When he went on deck, a consultation was being 
held, as to the disposal of the corpse. The weather 
was sultry, the ship small, and all being willing to 
attest the accidental nature of the poor lad’s death, 
the Captain agreed to commit him to the deep, which 
was done with so many superstitious observances and 
idolatrous prayers as made it a most painful spectacle. 
Mr. Cohen did not appear till it was over ; and then 
he was introduced to Captain Ryan, to whom he took 
an extraordinary liking ; — doubly extraordinary in 
Alick’s sight, contrasted as it was with the usual 
polite indifference of his deportment. The sad event 
of the preceding night was soon adverted to, and Cap- 
tain Ryan strongly animadverted on the cruelty of 
that system which seals up the souls of men in an 
idolatrous delusion. To this Mr. Cohen warmly 
assented. ‘ There are great differences between your 
creed and ours,’ he remarked : ‘ but I really think you 
Protestants abhor idolatry equally with us.’ 

^We do indeed; yet you too often confound us 
with those who practise it ; not knowing that the 
watchword of our faith is, like yours, Hear, O Israel j 
the Lord our God is one Lord 1” ’ 


Judah’s lion. 


149 


‘ Did you hear of that young fellow’s adv enture in 
Malta V 

‘ I did, and recognised in it the spirit of Gideon 
breaking down Baal’s altar. May the God of his 
fathers make him ever valiant for the truth!’ 

‘ In order to be so,’ said Mr. Cohen very thought- 
fully, ‘ he must first know what that truth is ; I fear 
we have been deficient in acquainting him with 
things most needful to be learned.’ 

Alick’s breath was well nigh gone with astonish- 
ment at hearing his father speak thus : he began to 
fear Ben-Melchor had been infecting him with his 
Talmudism. Captain Ryan looked doubtful and 
anxious. ‘ It is a point of universal interest and im- 
portance, Mr. Cohen, to know where truth may be 
found. Permit me to ask in what quarter do you 
seek it V 

‘ In that. Sir, I believe we are both agreed : un 
questionably, all truth is contained in the word of 
God.’ 

^ And in the oral law,’ added Ben-Melchor, who 
remarked as he approached that the speaker raised 
his voice, and directed the words towards him. 

^ My old friend, how are you?’ asked Captain 
Ryan, half laughing ; while Ben-Melchor looked the 
extreme reverse of any thing mirthful ; • you say that 
I haunt you through every land, and cross your path 
in every city ; and I fear you will not acquit me of 
contriving this unexpected rencontre on the bosom of 
the waves.’ 

‘ Meet me where you will,’ answered the Jew 
13 * 


150 


judah's lion. 


fiercely, ‘ you shall not contaminate my garment \vit)i 
the unclean doctrine of the Nazarenes.’ 

‘ Indeed, Josef, I hope I shall, with the Lord’s 
blessing, convince you yet. But a heart of flesh must 
be given before the law of the Holy One can be 
engraven there,’ pointing to the Jew’s side, who 
shrank from him. 

‘ You have spoken words of blasphemy against our 
holy religion,’ said Ben-Melchor, trembling with rage. 

^ I have not, your holy religion is mine, except that 
where you grasp the unfolded bud of the blossom, I 
feast on the ripe fruit. I have denounced, and I will 
denounce your Rabbinical absurdities, not one half of 
which do you believe, while you uphold them all; 
but your religion, Josef, as delineated by Moses and 
the prophets, is that whereon I rest my faith, my hope, 
my present consolation, and everlasting peace. When 
my blessed Master revealed himself as the risen 
Saviour, the promised Messiah of Israel, and Re- 
deemer of the world, how did he instruct his eleven 
disciples ? By opening their understandings that they 
might understand the Scriptures. What Scriptures? 
Yours, the only Scriptures then in existence. I wish 
you were half as much devoted to Moses as I am!’ 

‘ This very day,’ said Ben-Melchor, with bitter 
solemnity, ‘ and in this very vessel, there was worship 
paid to idols of wood and of stone, made and fashion- 
ed by men’s hands ; and a box was produced wherein 
was deposited a fragment of unleavened paste, turned 
by the magic of a Christian priest into the body of the 
Crucified, whom you call Jesus : and unto this did the 


JUDAH S LION. 


151 


Christians ad Jress their prayers, kneeling prostrate, in 
supplication for the soul’s safety of the slain man.’ 

^ Then they committed an act of most detestable 
idolatry,’ answered Captain Ryan ; ‘ utterly to be ab- 
horred of all Christian men. But, Ben-Me Ichor, why 
do you talk thus to me? You perfectly know that 
the religion of these people is not my religion, but 
that it much more resembles your’s ; being an abuse 
and perversion of the truth — a counterfeit of man’s 
devising. Leave these pretended misapprehen- 
sions alone, Ben-Melchor, and meet me on the com- 
mon ground of God’s inspired word, as contained in 
die Old Testament, but, made void and of none ef- 
fect to you, by your vain traditions received from your 
fathers.’ 

^ What a fine, straight-forward fellow !’ whispered 
Mr. Cohen to Alick ; ‘ but that old fox will never 
break cover, and come out in open day.’ 

Charley now came slowly along the deck; his 
cheeks were pale, and his eyes swollen, and he stole 
a timid glance towards the place where the fatal ca- 
lamity-had occurred. His father held out his arms 
and ther boy climbed on his knee, and smiled. 

‘ Poor fellow,’ said th^ Captain, kissing his brow, 
^ you look sad ; and well may we look sad, Charley, 
when a soul has passed into eternity unprepared for 
the Lord’s summons. They have buried him in the 
deep, there to remain till the sea gives up her d(;ad. 
We must not despair, for who knows what the 
Almighty may have wrought, even in a moment of 
time in the soul of that poor youth ? but it is an 
awful thought, Charles, the day when the sea shall 


152 


JUD All’s LION. 


give up the dead that are in it. What will happen 
then V 

In a low solemn tone, tne boy answered, ‘ They 
shall be judged, every man according to his works ; 
and w^hosoever is not found written in the book of 
life, will be cast into the lake of fire.’ 

‘ Had you not a little bit of a battle with that gen- 
tleman, Charley V 

‘ Yes, Papa.’ 

‘ Have you shaken hands with him since V 

^ No, Papa.’ 

‘ Then go and do it now.’ 

Charley went up to the Jew, and held out his 
hand ; Ben Melchor looked at him with a sort of 
shrinking civility, and said, ^ I bear thee no ill-will, 
child.’ 

‘ But won’t you shake hands, sir?’ 

Ben-Melchor walked away ; and Mr. Cohen indig- 
nantly said, ^ If this were Judaism, I should blush to 
be a Jew.’ 

‘ Happily, however, it is not Judaism, remarked 
Captain Ryan, ‘ nor anything else but a crank of 
man’s brain suggested by the Devil. Ben-Melchor is 
not honest in his profession of these things : I know 
him well. I often meet with men sincerely in the 
wrong, holding the traditionary law as sacred as that 
of Moses, if not more so. With them I can usually 
discuss the points on which we difier ; but this fellow 
is unmanageable. I took this method to drive him 
away in a civil manner, that we might resume the 
conversation he was determined to interrupt.’ 

They did resume it : Mr. Cohen spoke as a candid 


Judah's lion. 


153 


enquirer into things connected with his own religion 
to which he had paid too little regard. Captain 
Ryan preached the gospel, fearlessly and judiciously ; 
and, whatever his father might feel, Alick was con- 
scious that he was learning a lesson of incalculable 
value. 

Before they reached Smyrna, Mr. Cohen had gently 
informed his son that he found his health was wholly 
unequal to any stay in that climate : it had been sen- 
sibly declining, he said, for some time’; and he greatly 
wished to return home ; but that he would not de- 
prive him of the promised gratification of passing 
some time in the East. ‘ Dear father !’ said Alick, 
unaffectedly grieved, ‘you must not go home alone. 
Let me attend you, and indeed I shall not feel the 
lisappointment so much as I should feel, seeing you 
lepart unaccompanied by any one you could look on 
vith confidence.* 

‘ No, my generous boy ; I shall be better when I 
set my face homewards ; and see your’s set towards 
the Holy City; I wish you to visit it, Aliclt : and to 
kiss for me, the very stones in the walls of Jerusalem ; 
Peace be upon her ! I have spoken to this excellent 
man, and he is perfectly willing to admit you into his 
party, and to be a parent and guide to you during 
your tour. I am also sure you will be delighted to 
show every attention to his amiable wife, and that 
dear little boy. What say you to it, Alick?’ 

‘ Oh my dear, dear father, how shall I thank you 
for all this? leaving me in such hands, to visit such 
places, and — and — ’ then with one of his sudden 
bursts of honesty, he said, ‘ Father, I cannot deceive 


154 


Judah’s lion. 


you : if I go with them I shall certainly have a great 
deal of talk about their religion : I shall hear of Jesus 
of Nazareth — and — I shall try to find out whether or 
not it was of him that Moses in the law and the pro- 
phets did write.’ He stood, half dreading the reply; 
but thankful to have spoken so candidl}^ 

‘ Go, Alick, and enquire into whatever is presented 
to your mind as the truth. Find it, and having found 
it, hold it fast. You are further advanced in the 
search than I am : your earnestness, boy, has shamed 
your father out of his indifference. God grant it be 
not too late !’ 

Alick burst into tears, and throwing himself on his 
knees implored forgiveness for all his waywardness 
and undutifulness, and a blessing. This was given 
with fervx-nt affection: and Mr. Cohen said, ^Youi 
parting gift to me must be a Bible : for between Jew 
and Gentile, Talmudist and Papist, I have plainly 
learnt that it is only there truth can be found.’ 

And so, in tears and smiles, in hope and anxiety, 
with hearts full of love, and heads busied with many 
thoughts, they anchored in the port of Smyrna. 


CHAPTER XL 


No sooner was the little vessel fairly in port, than a 
number of fine-looking men in oriental costume, with 
long robes, turbans, black beards, and sparkling eyes, 
boarded her. They approached with courteous and 
respectful looks the spot where Alick and his party 
stood, and tendered their merchandize, consisting of 
ottar of roses, musk, and other costly perfumes. Alick’s 
heart beat high, as he met the smiling glance of Cap- 
tain Ryan, who said, ^ They are all Israelites ; speak 
to them, Cohen.’ 

‘Oh, what language shall I speak in!’ cried the 
youth, to whose sight the apparition of the poor 
orange-seller in the cove of Cork seemed to rise, in 
overpowering contrast to the group now before him : 
and ere Captain Ryan could answer, he had loudly 
uttered in Hebrew, the watchword of the church — 
^ Hear, O Israel, the Lord thy God is a Unity 1” 

Every eye was fixed on the youth, with an expres- 
sion of gratified surprise, as the response sounded 
from every tongue : and Captain Ryan thought, as he 
gazed on him, that he had never seen so beautiful a 
specimen of a race who, even in their lowest state of 
depression, still retain somewhat of the innate royalty 
that will yet again shine out, more and more, as the 
progress advances of the restoration, to that pre-emi 


156 


judah’s lion. 


nence which God has assigned to them, “ A people 
terrible from their beginning.” The Jews spoke 
principally in the Spanish tongue, which was not very 
intelligible to Alick ; and hoping soon to enjoy free 
communication with them, by means of the instruc- 
tion that Captain Ryan delighted to give him, he 
contented himself now with making liberal purchases. 
Meanwhile Mr. Cohen, who was an accomplished 
linguist, had singled out one of his countrymen, a fine 
old man, and obtained information from him as to the 
number, condition, and other particulars of the Jews 
in Smyrna. He also purchased largely ; and Captain 
Ryan, who conversed freely with the whole party, did 
not confine his dealing to Words. The poor Jews, who 
had rarely found so many generous customers on 
board a vessel of that description, were in high spirits; 
and one of them declared that of late years, the Eng- 
lish had shown so kind a feeling towards them, as to 
lead them in all cases of distress to look to them as 
their appointed helpers. 

‘ The Lord be praised!’ added Captain Ryan, as 
he repeated this remark in English : ^ for if we be 
found standing in such a position towards Israel, a 
blessing will, and must attend us.’ 

As they landed, Alick was struck by the picturesque 
appearance of the flags of every nation flying over the 
different consulates. That of England was nearest, 
and directly opposite the pier where they stepped 
ashore. ‘ I wish it was the royal standard,’ thought 
he, ‘ I should like just now to see the hon in it. Here 
we are : no sea now separates me from the land of 
my fathers ; and the soil I shall tread was oft-times 


JUDAH'S LION. 


157 


pressed beneath their victorious march, when subdu- 
ing the nations under their feet.’ His form seemed to 
dilate, and his stature to rise, as he looked round him ; 
and the more he saw of his oriental brethren, the more 
elevated did he feel. The difference is, in fact, more 
that of garb, and the bearded chin so appropriate to 
the costume. ‘ I shall never again fancy the girl- 
faced fellows at home,’ continued Alick, as he looked 
on those at hand ; ‘ certainly men’s beards were not 
given them for the purpose of spending half an hour 
every day in scraping them off: but everything gets 
wrong as one goes farther away from the holy land, 
and comes right as we approach it.’ This opinion he 
repeated to Captain Ryan, who laughed, and said, 
‘ My chin and razor have often parted company for 
months together when in the East ; for which I have 
incurred the serious displeasure of some good men, 
who seem to consider that we become better Christians 
in proportion as we recede from everything Jewish.’ 

^ But that is not your doctrine V 

‘ I hope not indeed. In my view, Christianity is 
not only not opposed to genuine Judaism, but it is not 
even an addition to it. I believe it to be contained in 
Judaism, as is the fruit in the blossom ; and the Jew 
who fancies that he must, on embracing the gospel, 
lay aside the religion of Moses, knows little of Paul’s 
meaning — Is any among you circumcised? let him 
not become uncircumcised.” I am the more anxious 
to impress this upon you, Cohen, because you will be 
likely before long to hear some things very galling to 
your Jewish feelings, from an excellent friend of mine, 
who goes to the full length of Gentihzing wherever 
14 


158 


JUDAH S LION. 


he meets with a convert He is travelling now, and 
hkely to take Smyrna in his way before we leave it’ 

^ His opinions will not affect me, at any rate. Cap- 
tain Ryan,’ said Alick, rather superciliously ; he then 
added, ^ I must look out for the synagogue, in order to 
attend worship there to-morrow.’ 

‘ I will escort you thither : 'you will he much pleased 
with the devout earnestness of your eastern brethren; 
what you have seen in London is very cold compared 
with it.’ 

They went ; and while Alick joined with soul-felt 
devotion in the services. Captain Ryan stood more 
aloof, but evidently in prayer all the time. When 
they had ended, a number of Jews surrounded him. 
and began an argument, as with one whom they had 
often encountered before. The numerous texts 
brought forward by both parties from the Hebrew 
scriptures proved to Alick that the Messiah was the 
subject of their conference, and a good deal of warmth 
was displayed by the Jews, while Captain Ryan, pre- 
serving his usual good-humour, had an answer for 
every one, and not a few perplexing questions to put 
to each. When they were again alone, Alick asked 
him, with a sly smile, if he had prevailed on any of 
his brethren to acknowledge Jesus of Nazareth as 
their Messiah. 

‘ No, that was not the matter before us : in fact 
such admission would be no gain to any body.’ 

^ You surprise me. I thought it was the very turn 
ing point of the whole matter.’ 

^ Far from it: I have met with Jews who would 
acknowledge that their Messiah might possibly have 


’udah’s lion. 


159 


come in a poor and humble guise ; might have walked 
as Christ did and like him have suffered, and may 
come again as we believe he will do, to reign. Yet 
were they not a whit nearer the truth. The Messiah 
for whom you look is but a man : a great prince, a 
mighty conqueror, appointed to accomplish a temporal 
deliverance, and then to reign over you as did David 
and your ancient kings. This will not suffice ; the 
Bible bids you expect more, much more : it bids you 
look for the appearance of Him who is the Lord from 
heaven : even Jesus, the Saviour, which delivereth us 
from the wrath to come.’ 

Alick bit his lip : something in the service in which 
he had just united was strong in his mind : he said, 
‘ It is very revolting to a Jew to hear of a strange 
god.’ 

‘ Not a whit more revolting to a Jew than to a 
Christian,’ answered -Captain Ryan. ‘We are as 
jealous as you can be in guarding from all perversion 
that great doctrine, the unity of the Godhead. Your 
own scriptures set forth most clearly what we hold, 
that your expected Messiah, the Deliverer and Re- 
storer of Israel and the hope of all the ends of the 
earth, is a Divine Person. Now, here is the hundred 
and tenth Psalm : read it, and tell me to whom it 
refers.’ 

Alick glanced over it; ‘I know it well, and it 
clearly refers to the Messiah. Ben-Melchor told me 
Israel was meant ; but this expression, “ Thou art a 
priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedeck,” must 
refer to an individual, not a nation.’ 


160 


judah’s lion. 


‘ You are right. Now tell me, Cohen, who wrote 
this Psalm?’ 

‘ David.’ 

• Then, I ask you a question which your fathers 
could not answer ; If Messiah be David’s son, in what 
sense is he his Lord ?’ 

I cannot tell you, for I am unskilled in these deep 
things.’ 

‘ My dear lad ! the best skilled in these things is he 
who receives like a little child the plain word of God 
in its most plain and simple meaning. The more 
you study it, the more you will be struck with its 
glorious simplicity and comprehensibility.’ 

‘ I confess. Captain Ryan, I have found it so ; but 
on these more solemn and vitally important matters 
it may be more obscure.’ 

^ Just the contrary what is of most consequence 
for us to know is revealed the^ most clearly. If you 
take this Psalm, for instance, as addressed by David 
in spirit to one who, though of his own flesh as man, 
was also to be a Divine Person, and believe that he 
likewise offered up a sacrifice of abiding, eternal effi- 
cacy for the sins of this world ; and that he shall 
come again to subdue his enemies and to reign as a 
king, not only over Israel but over the whole earth ; 
then you will see the beautiful harmony of the predic- 
tion ; and its consistence with these parts of the ora- 
cles of God.’ 

‘ Then you mean to say that the same strange doc 
trine is elsewhere set forth?’ 

‘ Elsewhere ! ay, everywhere : Do you think we 
build our faith and hope on an isolated passage ? On© 


judah’s LIOrQ. 


161 


word, indeed, being God’s v/ord, would prove a suffi- 
cient security for the whole world to depend on ; but 
he has graciously given us line upon line, precept 
upon precept, to the same blessed effect’ 

Will you point out some of those passages to 
me 

‘ Gladly: but remember that only One can teach 
you effectually ; and lift up your heart for divine in- 
struction.’ 

‘ I do. Captain Ryan. I really desire to learn, but 
what you have said has startled me much. I thought 
if I once could bring myself to recognize in Jesus of 
Nazareth the Prince Messiah, so longed for by us, 
that I should be at once with you- in faith ; but I now 
find you require me wholly to after my view of him 
to whom I have ever looked as the hope of Israel — 
you want me to confess that Messiah Ben David is — 
God.’ He hesitated and dropped his voice in pro- 
nouncing the last words. 

‘ That is the point I was arguing with your people 
yonder ; and I found them very determined in oppo- 
sing me ; but we have one appeal — to the law and to 
the testimony. I set before you what I believe and 
know to be the truth, and I tell you where I found 
that truth, that you maj yourself seek it out. I have, 
however, this disadvantage to contend with, that 
whereas I have the inspired narrative of the fulfil- 
ment to guide me to the perfect meaning of various 
prophetic scriptures, you reject that portion, and insist 
on being convinced by the Old Testament alone with- 
out any reference to the New. Still I will meet you 
ffiere. My task is to show that in the Bible, as you 

14 # 


162 


judah’s lion. 


hold itj we have evidence of a Saviour being pro* 
mised who is a partaker in the Divine Essence ; iai 
above the highest created angel, and an object of 
worship to those who acknowledge the Most High 
God.’ 

‘ And that, I think, you cannot do.’ 

‘ We shall see In your liturgy you have this pas 
sage, I think, in the grace after meals ; “ O God, thov 
art our Father, King, Strength, Creator, Redeemer, 
and Sanctifier: the Sanctifier of Jacob, the Pastor, 
the Shepherd of Israel : the beneficent King, who 
dealeth beneficently with all ; for he hath been, is, 
and ever will be, daily beneficent towards us.” Now 
these words include every thing ; and it is remark- 
able that three of them, in the exact order in which 
they stand, “ Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier,” 
set forth in the very same language that we use, 
the three persons whom we adore in the Unity of 
the Godhead : the Creating Father, the Redeeming 
Son, the Sanctifying Spirit. I think, Cohen, you 
hold strongly that to worship any created object is a 
sin V 

^ A gross sin : an idolatrous act, hateful to God.’ 

‘ Turn to the Psalm we were looking at. “ In the 
day of thy power shall the people offer thee free-will 
offerings, and a holy worship.” I don’t ask you to 
reply, only note it down, to study at your leisure. 
Now look at Zechariah, the twelfth chapter: who is 
the speaker?’ 

Alick looked, and replied, ‘ Certainly God is the 
speaker : of none other could it be said, The Lord 
which stretched forth the heavens, and layeth the 


Judah’s lion. 


163 


foundations of the earth, and formeth the spirit of 
man within him.” ’ 

‘ Go on,’ said Captain Ryan ; and he read to the 
ninth verse, and exclaimed, ^ These are glorious pro- 
mises indeed ! these are the days of the Messiah, the 
Son of David our King.’ He then resumed, and read, 
“ And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon 
the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and 
of supplications : and they shall look upon me whom 
they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as 
one mourneth for his only son ; and shall be in bit- 
terness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first- 
born.” 

Well, Cohen?’ said Captain Ryan, as Alickmade 
a full stop. 

‘This is astounding!’ exclaimed the young man, 
‘ there must be an error somewhere.’ 

‘ Yes, there is an error in you, even want of faith. 
I just put this before you : I have not picked out an 
isolated passage, but made you read the whole con- 
text, by which you see the speaker is not -changed. 
“ The Lord which stretcheth forth the heavens, and 
layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the 
spirit of man within him,” is declaring the triumphant 
period of Messiah’s coming, to restore and to reign 
over the Jewish people ; and he says, “ They shall 
look on me whom they have pierced.” I will not now 
even insist on the obvious reference to the nation who 
nailed Jesus of Nazareth to the cross: I only ask you 
to consider the bearing of the passage as it regards 
the Messiah. And now just look at the next chapter, 
the seventh verse, “ Awake, O sword, against my 


164 


judah's lion. 


Shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, 
saith the Lord of Hosts : smite the Shepherd, and the 
sheep shall be scattered, and I will turn my hand up- 
on the little ones.” If you go on to the end, you will 
find the subject of Israel’s punishment and subsequent 
pardon and restoration, clearly brought forward.’ 

‘ These are wonderful things, I confess: have you 
more to show me V 

‘ I wish to ask you whether you would apply the 
title of Redeemer of Jacob to any but God?’ 

‘ No, certainly not.’ 

^ What then does Jacob mean by that expression, 

God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac 
did walk, the God that fed me all my life long unto 
this day, the angel which redeemed me from all evil, 
bless the lads.” Gen. xlviii. 15, 16. Who is this re- 
deeming angel?’ 

‘You will not say it is our Messiah at any rate,’ 
observed Alick ; ‘ for according to you he is far above 
all created angels.’ 

‘ True, he is so ; but in his character of one appointed 
and sent on an especial work by his F ather, I do allow, 
in this instance, the application of the term angel, 
which signifies a messenger, to Him. 

‘ Now I remember,’ said Alick eagerly, ‘ little as 
yet I know of the Bible, I remember a passage that 
explains this. When Moses led my fathers up out of 
Egypt, the Holy One said to him that he would send 
an angel to deliver them, whom they were to obey: 
This proves that power could be given to an angel, 
for a special purpose, to redeem the people from tem- 
poral evils.’ 


Judah’s lion. 


165 


‘ I am delighted, my dear boy, to hear you proving 
Scripture by Scripture. Now let us look at that pas- 
sage ; you will find it in the twenty-third chapter of 
Exodus, the twentieth and following verses. Read it 
attentively.’ 

Alick read ; “ Behold, I send an angel before thee 
to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the 
place which I have prepared. Beware of him and 
obey his voice, provoke him not ; for he will not par- 
don your transgressions : for my name is in him. But 
if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I 
speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, 
and an adversary unto thine adversaries.” This is 
what I alluded to ; and it is very plain.’ 

^ It is very plain, Cohen,’ said Captain Ryan, 
solemnly, ‘ and I beseech you to ponder it deeply. 
The glorious King who will yet come to reign over 
you, and us, and over the whole earth, the Messiah, 
the anointed One, He it was who first brought your 
fathers into the good land which we hope shortly to 
visit : the land given by covenant to Abraham and 
his seed ; and into which the Angel — the messenger 
of that covenant led them. I now ask you, do you 
know the meaning of that great and terrible name by 
which God revealed himself to Moses ; which your 
people avoid pronouncing, and which, therefore, I 
never pronounce to them. Do you know the high im- 
port of this name V and he pointed it out to him in 
Hebrew. 

‘ I know it imports greater things than we can 
utter,’ replied Alick. 

‘ Is it not expressive of self-existence, of eternity, 


166 


jtjdah's lion. 


of unchange ableness, — in short, is it not altogiether in^ 
communicable ? would it not be blasphemy most fear- 
ful, in any creature to assume to himself that awful 
name V 

‘ Who would, who could dare to do it ! We reject 
your Nazarene, because he ventured to claim it, and 
we are shocked at you for supporting that claim.’ 

‘ And we support it, Cohen, as much on the strength 
of this very passage as any other. This Angel is one 
sent ; that is clearly expressed ; and of this Angel 
it is declared that the great, the awful, the incommu- 
nicable Name is in him. To him they are required 
to yield obedience, not because God-, as then speaking 
to them, will punish disobedience offered to his ap- 
pointed vicegerent, hut because “ He will not pardon 
your transgressions.” The power of forgiving sins re- 
sides in him ; and who can forgive sins but God alone 7 
Obedience is to be rendered unto him by the com- 
mand of God, who elsewhere has repeatedly said, that 
he will not give his glory to another ; and the people 
are cautioned not to provoke him, because e^ddently, 
the power to punish resides independently in him. 
This is indeed He to whom the Father says, in the 
forty-fifth Psalm, Thy throne, O God. is for ever and 
ever : a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy 
kingdom.” This is he of whom it is said in the second 
Psalm, Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish 
from the right way, when his wrath is kindled but a 
little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.” 
Yes, and “ Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, 
and maketh flesh his arm.” 

Alick listened with deep attention : ‘ I do not deny 


JUDAH S LION 


167 


that you have startled me very much: hut I have no 
doubt our learned men have found another meaning 
for these expressions.’ 

‘They have done their utmost to explain them away, 
of course ; and hence it is, that though Moses, who 
testified of Christ, is read in the synagogues every 
Sabbath-day, you cannot perceive his meaning — the 
veil is on your hearts. In the day when you shall turn 
to the Lord rejecting all the glosses and perversions 
of men, and desirous to be taught of Him alone, in 
that day the veil shall be taken away, and you shall 
clearly see what is now hid from your eyes. All that 
I ask of you is an unprejudiced examination of your 
own scriptures, with incessant prayer to God that he 
would illumine and direct your mind. He alone can 
reveal himself to you ; and if you will not ask for such 
revelation, surely you despise the gift, and must ex- 
pect to be left in darkness. Secret prayer over the 
word of God can do nothing hut good. He will not 
lead you into error, nor suffer others to lead you, if you 
humbly commit yourself to his teaching and protec- 
tion.’ 

‘ That is my great comfort. You, or others, may 
bid me look in the Bible for evidence to establish a 
false doctrine ; hut if I do it in earnest prayer to God, 
he will make my search the very means of strengthen- 
ing me against what is wrong.’ 

‘Exactly so; if I wanted to deceive you, the last 
thing I should do would be to send you to the foun- 
tain of truth, the light that maketh manifest.^ 

‘ I shrank from your doctrine before,’ resumed 
Ahck, ‘ because I would not recognize my Messiah 


68 


JUDAff S LION. 


in a crucified man : now, because I dare not regard 
him as the Most High God. What a strange mystery 
is this !’ 

‘ All creation is a mystery : the finger with which 
you now turn over that leaf is a mystery most won- 
derful, most incomprehensible. How comes it, Cohen, 
that at the very moment when your mind conceives a 
purpose of investigating what stands on the next page 
of the book, at that very moment your finger, the 
immediate loss of which would not in the smallest 
degree lessen or affect your intellectual powers, exe- 
cutes the purpose of your mind, with accuracy, dis- 
patch, and facility not to be surpassed? Oh, con 
template for a moment the magnificent mysteries that 
enwrap the lowest of his visible works, and then think 
what must be the unfathomable mysteriousness of the 
awful Creator Himself? Remember, He has revealed 
to us in that book what we are to believe ; and be 
content to credit what he says, to receive what he 
gives, and to wait for a different stage of being, before 
you essay to comprehend what must, in our present 
jstate, be utterly incomprehensible.’ 

^ But now. Captain Ryan, if I am to believe with- 
out understanding, why should I reject what the 
Papists believe ?’ 

‘ How can you ask such a question ! I bid you 
yield undoubting credence to all that God declares 
in the Bible ; and one of the plainest, most unmis- 
takeable things there revealed, is the abhorrence in 
which the Lord holds idolatry. The Bible, my dear 
friend, is the universal key ; with it, we unlock the 
fetters that bind the poor Romanist, and set him free ; 


Judah’s lion. 


169 


with it we unlock the casket that the Jew holds closed, 
and exhibit to him the treasure that he was uncon- 
scious of possessing.’ 

They had now reached their temporary abode, and 
found Mr. Cohen so much indisposed as to require all 
Alick’s attention. He expressed an anxious wish to 
find himself on the homeward way, and talked of 
immediately proceeding by a vessel bound for Jaffa, 
whence he could readily obtain a passage to Alex- 
andria, and thence to England as he might wish. 
Captain Ryan saw how deeply Alick felt this proposed 
separation, and bow he shrank from leaving his parent 
in the hands of strange shipmen ; he therefore con- 
ferred with his wife, and came to the decision that as 
they were under no particular necessity to pursue the 
route they had entered on, it would be right to follow 
out a path seemingly marked for them ; and the re- 
sult was the embarkation of the whole party in a very 
small but commodious vessel, for the port, of Jaffa. 
Alick’s gratitude knew no bounds ; and Charley was 
wonderfully delighted. 

‘ Do you know, Mr. Alick,’ said he, ‘ that Jaffa is 
Joppa, where Simon the tanner lived by the sea-side, 
and Simon Peter lodged with him ; and there came 
a great sheet down from heaven, and a voice bade 
him slay and eat all the things in it? You know, 
that was a vision to let him see he was not to despise 
the Gentiles, but to go to Cornelius the centurion^ 
when the messengers came to say an angel had bade 
him send for Peter.’ 

^ Well, now, Charley, you must show me that story 

15 


170 


judah’s lion. 


in the Bible ; for I confess I can’t make anything of 
it, in the way you have told it to me.’ 

‘ Oh, to be sure I will ;’ and he bustled away for 
his Bible, and was soon on Alick’s knee, reading to 
him the tenth chapter of the Acts. Alick was greatly 
struck with it. ‘ This was a remarkable epoch,’ said 
he, half unconsciously, ‘ for here was the first ac- 
knowledgment of the Gentiles. I plainly see, every 
thing continued Jewish up to this time.’ 

^ Oh yes,’ answered Charley, ^ and if you read the 
next chapter, you will find how Peter got into a 
scrape with the apostles in Jerusalem for eating with 
Gentiles.’ 

‘ Indeed ! then let us read it directly : I should like 
to know how he got out of the scrape.’ This was 
done; and Charley said, ‘Well, what do you think 
of it ?’ . 

‘ Why, what do you think of it, Charley ? I should 
like to hear your opinion of the matter.’ 

‘ I think it is very beautiful. You see, Peter would 
not have gone to a Gentile for all the messengers that 
the Centurion could have sent, because it was con- 
trary to the law that he had : but when God himself 
commanded him, how very readily he did go ! The 
Papists make Peter the first Pope, but you see he 
behaved quite unlike a Pope — he would not let Cor- 
nelius worship him.’ 

‘ Stop, Charley ; does God make laws and unmake 
them ? are his commands so uncertain ? He forbade 
a thing to be done by the Jews, and then commanded 
a Jew to do it. Is it so?’ 

‘ I suppose if God commands it to be dark to-night, 


Judah's lion. 


171 


that it is no reason he should not command it to be 
hght in the morning, Mr. Alick.' said the child, set* 
ting his broad eyes upon him, in wonder at his bring- 
ing the charge of inconsistency against the Lord. 
‘And I suppose if the sun’s light came at first only 
on the tops of the mountains, that is no reason it 
should not shine into the vallies bye and bye, Mr. 
Alick.’ 

The answer was conclusive ; it opened a new scene 
to Alick’ s view ; and made him almost enter into the 
thankful feelings with which the Jewish apostles said, 
“ Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted re- 
pentance unto life.” Alick always felt, when with 
Charley, like one who was being quietly towed into a 
pleasant haven: but when with others he seemed 
painfully toiling against a rough current. He now 
resolved to enjoy a little of his favourite friend’s chat, 
and closing the book went on. 

‘ I like your Papa very much indeed, Charley.’ 

‘ So you ought, for he is fonder of you than of any 
body.’ 

‘ What makes you think so V 

‘ Oh, everything : he always calls you, “ That dear 
lad,” or “ our beloved Alick,” or that noble young 
Jew,” or some such thing; and at prayers how he 
does pray for you ! And when Ben-Melchor set the 

Jews upon him so, about you’ , here Charley 

stopped, for he had let out a secret. 

‘ Go on ; when they attacked him about me, what 
did he do V 

‘ I did not know you knew it,’ said Charley with 
glee, ‘ and he did not want you to know it. They 


172 


judah’s lion. 


really frightened us, they were so cross. I could not 
tell what they said, you know ; but both mamma and 
I were in a fright. When they were gone we cried ; 
and papa said he thought we loved you better than to 
mind facing such a breeze for your sake.’ 

^ I wonder they did not go to my father,’ said Alick. 
In fact, they had been to him ; and the result was an 
admission on their side, that if it was in the Bible his 
son was searching, with unprejudiced mind, for the 
truth, he was in a safe way. Ben-Melchor had 
represented the Ryans as worshippers of images ; and 
Mr. Cohen as a man of no religion whatever, allow- 
ing his son to be led astray in the prospect of worldly 
advantages. On these points the Jews were quickly 
set right; and in resentment at the impositions of 
their unworthy brother, they refused to interfere any 
farther. 

Alick resumed the discourse with Charles. ‘ Is 
there any place besides Joppa that you are anxious to 
see V 

‘ Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem !’ cried the child, clap- 
ping his hands.’ Won’t we see Jerusalem itself? You 
can’t think how glad I am that we are going this 
road ; for you see, it was very uncertain if we could 
get to Jerusalem at all the other way. Now, we 
shall go right up, up, till we get there.’ 

‘ Is it up-hill all the way, do you think ?’ 

‘ No, but the Bible always talks of going up to Je- 
rusalem you know. It’s the greatest place in the 
whole world ; and it’s a great honour to go to it ; s* 
we say up, we shall go up, up to Jerusalem,’ a: 


JUDAH'S LION. 


17S 


again he clapped his hands, and kicked out his httle 
feet as he sat. 

‘ But I have a greater portion in Jerusalem than 
you, Charley.’ 

‘ I know you have : it belongs to you ; but we Gen- 
tiles may go up and worship there, you know. The 
poor Jews, Mr. Alick, are badly off in their own city; 
Papa says it will grieve our hearts to see how they 
are oppressed: but never mind; their King will soon 
come, and restore the kingdom to Israel.’ 

‘ But now, Charley, if this King should, after all, 
not be the one you expect, what will become of you f 
Charley stared at him, and then asked, ‘ Do you mean^ 
what would become of me if Jesus Christ was not 
King of the Jews and King of heaven and earth?’ 

‘ Yes.’ 

^ If so, I must be lost entirely ; I should go to hell ; 
because I should have no Saviour. But don’t talk in 
that way, Mr. Alick. I know very well he is the 
King ; he is the Lord; he will save me, a poor little 
sinful child, and he will save you, if you believe in 
him.’ 

But Alick felt as if he was farther off from believ- 
ing than ever : he longed to be ashore again, and to 
plunge into the scenes that promised so greatly to 
excite him. His father’s state of health depressed his 
spirits ; and on the whole he had lost so much of the 
buoyancy that once distinguished him, as to make 
Captain Ryan anxious too for his arrival in a more 
stirring place. They made the passage as favourably 
as they could wish ; and with a very great accession 
of scriptural knowledge so far as the Hebrew Bible 
15 * 


174 


JUDAH S LION. 


went, and not a little improvement in the languagei^ 
most requisite to be studied preparatory to a tour in 
those deeply interesting countries, Alick approached 
the shores of Palestine. 

This interval, so unexpectedly occurring, had been 
of immense use to him: he was aware of it, and 
secretly thankful. Towards the Ryans his regard 
daily increased ; and the tender care bestowed on his 
sick father doubly endeared them. ^ I am sure,’ said 
Mr. Cohen, ^ I am doing right, Alick, in leaving you 
with such friends, if I must leave you ; but to say 
truth, the breezes that have reached me from that 
glorious land seem to have infused new life into me 
already ; and who knows but I too may go up to 
Jerusalem ? 


CHAPTER XII. 


‘ Yonder they rise, the motintain heights of Judea, 
said Captain Ryan, shortly after their landing, while 
Alick strained his eyes to trace the blue outline dis- 
tinctly marked on the horizon. ‘ I could tell of some 
who, by toilsome efforts, through privations that you 
can scarcely imagine the existence of, and amid 
dangers now happily at an end, just reached this spot, 
and having gazed on these hills, lay down to die. 
The privilege of entering within the holy city was 
denied them ; hut to lay their bones so near it was 
counted a blessing well worth the expenditure of their 
little remaining strength, and of the hoard accumula- 
ted during many years’ struggle against adversity, 
persecution, and all the storms that heat upon their 
heads during the bitterest season of Israel’s universal 
affliction.’ 

Alick made no reply : his eyes were rivetted on the 
mountain-tops ; and Captain Ryan, wishing to leave 
him to the unrestrained -indulgence of feelings which 
he well understood, took advantage of the appearance 
of an Arab in the contrary direction, to make, as he 
said, some inquiries concerning the army of Ibrahim 
Pasha, lately assembled in that neighbourhood; and 
proceeded to accost the Ishmaelite. 

Thus left alone, Alick at once threw himself on a 


176 


JUDAHS LION. 


bank, with head propped on his hand, and abandoned 
himself to the emotion that he had found it scarcely 
possible so long to suppress. Sighs, increasing to 
sobs, burst from his bosom, and tears flowed unre- 
strained, while with a mixture of pride, grief, shame, 
and indignation, the master passion of his soul so 
lately roused into existence, but already absorbing 
everything else — the love of his country, beat in 
every vein. After a long interval, it found vent ir 
words that he would not have breathed to mortal ear 
‘ Land of my fathers, the inheritance of Abraham. 
Isaac, and Jacob, and of their seed for ever — Oui 
own land, our pleasant land, the glory of all lands, 
why, why should this be ? Did not the Lord our God 
give us the land, by a covenant confirmed with an 
oath, and a promise to cast out the nations and to 
plant us in it, and to establish us there for ever ; and 
must the rightful possessors of those blessed hills, look 
upon them from a distant spot, and count it a privilege 
to die so near Jerusalem, while the soil itself is tram- 
pled down by the feet of its enemies, and Zion is 
profaned by the presence of false gods, abominable 
idols, and whatsoever the Lord hateth 7 Judah has 
couched indeed, he has laid down, but is it as a lion? 
and oh, who shall rouse him up ! At this very mo- 
ment my people have power, if but the Lord would 
raise a Joshua to lead them on — power to march upon 
the hosts of unbelieving usurpers, and expel them 
from the holy land. I am sure of it : in numbers we 
are formidable ; in our wealth we possess the means 
of forming mighty alliances ; in intellect, in enter- 
prise, in perseverance are we behind hand with any 


Judah’s lion. 


177 


people under heaven ? It is because her sons are 
alien in heart that Jerusalem is trodden down, and 
Judea a desolation ! Every mongrel tribe of Gentile 
race may establish a footing there ; but they to whom 
the land wholly belongs may plant no foot except by 
degrading sufferance : every flaunting flag may wave 
in the breezes of Judea, and bespeak a political exis- 
tence connected with the country, except the lion 
standard of Judah. Her own masters alone are 
scorned, her own leaders alone are proscribed, her 
own sons alone are contumaciously banished from 
that country, my country, the country which God gave 
to me, and which man shall not much longer with- 
hold.’ He sprang to his feet ; and almost uncon- 
sciously shaking his clenched fist towards the spot 
from which his eyes had never been withdrawn, he 
repeated with fiery determination, ^ The land is ours j 
and restore it you shall, ye motley herd of Turks, 
Christians, and nondescript vagabonds, who dare de- 
file it by your presence !’ 

His extended arm was suddenly grasped from be- 
hind ; and looking round he beheld a stranger, habited 
in one of the varieties of costume that he had seen 
in the bazaar of Jaffa the preceding evening, when, 
after debarcation. Captain Ryan had taken him for a 
hasty stroll round the place. A robe, rather short, 
trowsers not so loose as the generality of those he 
had seen, and a high flat red cap, with a single nar- 
row roll of purple muslin passed round the lower 
edge, formed the dress ; but in the countenance Alick 
could not help tracing a strong resemblance to his 
own" allowing for some ten or twelve years differ- 


178 


JUDAH^S LION. 


ence, and the addition of a short, close-curled beard, 
and a more lofty arch of the black eyebrow than he 
had been accustomed to see even among liis own 
race. The glance that met his was not friendly : it 
bespoke a degree of menace, and yet more of con- 
tempt ; and while the left hand of the intruder still 
grasped his arm, and the other hand was held back 
from view. Alick’s mind underwent an unpleasant 
transition, from the warlike emotion just excited, to 
the consciousness that he was wholly unarmed, and 
in the power of a very questionable companion. 
However, he spoke at once, and in a tone by no 
means indicative of al*arm, and inquired in Itahan 
what the stranger wanted with him. A shake of the 
head conveyed the rejection of this language ; he 
then tried the same query in imperfect Arabic ; tc 
which the stranger responded, by asking him what he 
did there. 

This was not so easily to be told by a smattering 
beginner in the language : he therefore took the short- 
est phrase he could master, and pointing again to the 
mountain he said, ^ It is my country.’ 

‘ You are a Frank,’ said the other, glancing scorn 
fully at his dress. 

‘ I am a Jew,’ replied Alick, proudly. His arm was 
immediately liberated, but the gaze by no means re- 
laxed, while in choice Hebrew the stranger enquired, 
‘ Wherefore did you lift your hand in wrath towards 
the holy hill ?’ 

‘ I lifted my hand,’ replied Alick, while his eyes 
sparkled with joy, ^ against the unholy people who 
pollute by their presence the mountains of the Lord.’ 


Judah's lion. 


179 


* And you are not afraid to avow yourself, in such a 
place and in such company !’ remarked the stranger, 
in excellent English. ^ When such a heart is put into 
our people a little more extensively, Cohen, we shall 
soon repossess our land, and rejoice together upon the 
mountains of Israel. I see you are surprised, and no 
marvel : you do not recollect me ; for you were a mere 
child when I visited your father’s house. I am now 
a resident in this country, and to-day had the unex- 
pected pleasure of meeting my old friend in the nar- 
row streets of Jaffa. He sent me in quest of you, and 
I found you engaged as he led me to expect. I heard 
your indignant exclamation, and put your courage to 
the test which it stood so well. We are co-religion- 
ists ; and co-heirs of that glorious land, which is at this 
moment ours of right ; and which by might shall yet 
be ours in the face of the whole world, and to their 
confusion if they dare to resist us.’ 

The tone, the look, the gesture that accompanied 
these proud words bespoke an enthusiasm so akin to 
that of young Cohen, that his very soul seemed to ex- 
pand in an atmosphere more congenial than any he 
had ever yet breathed in : he caught and grasped the 
outstretched hand of his energetic companion, and ex- 
claimed, ‘ Those hiUs, those everlasting hills, the land- 
marks of our beauteous Canaan ! shall it indeed be 
ours to fight our way within the barrier, and inch by 
inch to win all back from the accursed enemies of our 
God ? Have you a band, a little band, prepared for 
the enterprise ? Oh with what joy shall I enrol my- 
self among that chosen few : and in the strength of 
the Lord be strong to do exploits I’ 


180 


JUDAH S LION. 


“ Gideon’s three hundred would suffice,’ replied liis 
new friend : ^ or Jonathan with his armour-bearer 
alone : but we must wait, alas ! we must await the 
token from Him who of old bade Moses “ Speak to the 
children of Israel that they go forward.” ’ 

^ Y ou said just now that it should by yours by 
might,’ remarked Alick, almost reproachfully. 

‘ Ay, but not by man’s might, until the Lord vouch* 
safes once more to be our Banner. That day ap- 
proaches fast : bone shall come to his bone, scattered 
and dry as the bones now are ; and when the Breath 
breathes into the mass, then shall Judah and Ephraim 
together arise, an exceeding great army, prepared to 
march, — march to yonder glorious hills, over this soil 
(and he stamped his foot on it) and over every plain 
that grovels at the feet of our own mountain land. 
The might, the zeal of the Lord of Hosts shall per- 
form this.’ 

‘ You seem very fond of the Bible, said Alick. 

‘Am I not a Jew? Are not the Holy Books at 
once our personal and political history, our statistics 
and our charter V 

Every word spoken by this impetuous man, whose 
countenance expressed all the fire and buoyancy of 
youth, combined with the decision of ripened man- 
hood, increased Alick’ s delight in him. After a short 
pause, the stranger resumed ; and while he spoke, his 
eyes softened into the deepest sadness of heart-struck 
humility — ^ Come, Cohen, right well we know why it 
is that you and I stand here gazing with wistful long- 
ings on a land from which we are thrust out, and 
which is yet sealed against our return : and knowiiig 


Judah’s lion. 


181 


the evil, we know the remedy. Yonder lies Jerusa- 
lem, our holy and beautiful city; let us now stand and 
spread forth our hands towards it, and pray. It may 
be that He, the Holy One of Israel, will hear from his 
dwelling-place, and hearing, will forgive.’ 

They stood with outstretched arms and eyes fixed 
on the heaven above where they supposed the beloved 
city to be, and the elder uttered one of the sublime 
prayers of the Jewish liturgy, comprising a deep con- 
fession of sin, an acknowledgment that for the iniqui- 
ties of the people they were driven away, and kept in 
perpetual affliction : and most passionate intreaty for 
pardon, and restoration to their own land. Alick had 
often unthinkingly run through that very supplication 
in Duke’s Place; every word was familiar to him; 
but what new and thrilling emotion did every word 
excite in his breast, now that the very scene was be- 
fore his eyes, and the inmost longings of his spirit had 
something so tangible to fix on ! They prayed stand- 
ing and covered, unconscious of the presence of a third 
person, who, lowly kneeling and bare-headed echoed 
the prayer from his very heart. It was Captain Ryan, 
who had come up behind a natural hedge of the 
prickly pear, expecting to find Alick alone, as he left 
him ; and who had heard the invitation given, which 
he rightly supposed would not have been extended to 
a Gentile like himself: he therefore remained out of 
sight, but closely united in spirit with the praying 
Jews : and as they concluded, he softly stole away, too 
honourable to overhear their private discourse. 

Da Costa, as the stranger Jew instructed Alick to 
call him, reconducted his companion to Jaffa, where 
16 


182 


JUDAH S LION. 


Mr. Cohen very warmly expressed his pleasure on see- 
ing them together, and enquired for Captain Ryan. 
Alick slightly coloured on recollecting the unceremo- 
nious way in which he had left the place where his 
Irish friend was likely again to seek him, and men- 
tioned the circumstance ; but the Captain’s appearance 
soon set him at ease on that ground, though a degree 
of shyness that he felt stealing more and more over 
him in reference to those Christian guides who had 
laid him under obligations so deep, was really painful 
to his spirit. Da Costa soon became extremely so- 
ciable with a person whose manners not a little re- 
sembled his own, in point of franknes.s, energy and 
vivacity ; they com^ersed a good deal on general and 
local subjects ; mutually pleased in proportion as they 
discovered more of each other’s tastes and pursuits. 
^ I like your countrymen. Captain Ryan,’ said Da 
Costa: ‘they are far more accessible than the Eng- 
lish ; and besides, there seems to be among you a 
strong tinge of Jewish blood. Have you ever heard 
of that before ?’ 

‘Undoubtedly: the opinion is prevalent that we, 
the native race of Ireland, owe our origin, at least in 
part, to a tribe of Israelites who, after being repulsed 
in many other quarters, found a welcome and a home 
in the green Isle, where they established themselves, 
and imparted, in process of time, the privileges of 
Hebrew descent to a large portion of the Islanders.* 

‘ So I have heard sir: and I for one feel pleasure 
in believing it to be so. But now, supposing it 
proved, and that you are one of the stock so far He- 
braized, what part do you expect to bear in the great 


Judah’s lion. 


183 


event of our coming restoration?.’ This was asked 
smilingly, and even playfully, and Captain Ryan smi- 
led too ; but before he could answer, Charley, whose 
face had crimsoned while he listened to the ques- 
tion, ran up to Da Costa, and seizing his robe said, 
^ We shall be one of the ten nations that will take 
hold of your skirt, and say. We will go with you ; for 
we have seen that- God is with you of a truth.’ 

^ My fine little fellow!’ exclaimed Da Costa, lift- 
ing him high in his arms, ^ where did you learn that?’ 

‘Out of the book of Zechariah, sir: Mr. Alick 
knows all about it.’ 

‘ Zechariah prophesies great things for us,’ remarked 
the other, addressing Mr. Cohen. 

‘Yes,’ replied Charley, ‘he says there shall be a 
fountain opened in Jerusalem for sin and uncleanness ; 
and he says you shall look on Him whom you pierced, 
and mourn for him.’ 

‘ And who did we pierce, my little commentator ?’ 

‘Jesus Christ: and when you see that He is the 
Messiah, and that He is the Lord, then you will be 
sorry for what you did unknowingly, you know.’ 

‘ Yes,’ answered the other smiling, ‘ when we see 
it we shall be very sorry, I am sure.’ Then setting 
the child down and stroking his head kindly, he 
added, ‘ Always speak out, my hoy : honesty is a 
rare virtue.’ 

‘ Oh, then you do believe it, do you ? you love the 
Lord Jesus, do you ?’ cried Charley with great de- 
light. 

‘ No, that does not follow: but you may be a very 


.84 


judah’s lion. 


good Christian, and I a very good Jew, and we may 
remain excellent friends all the while.’ 

‘No, we can’t,’ replied the boy quickly; ‘for if 
one of us were to die, there would be an end to our 
friendship j and one of us may die directly) and then 
what’s the good of being such friends as that, Mr. 
Jew !’ 

Da Costa looked surprised, and a shade of dis- 
pleasure passed over his countenance, while he said 
to Captain Ryan, still, however, affectionately cares- 
sing the child, ‘ Do you think this a good system of 
education. Captain ? I confess I don’t like the pros- 
elytizing mania : we never seek to convert you, 
and why you should be so bent on our apostacy I can- 
not tell.’ 

‘ Before I answer you, pray tell me, have you read 
the New Testament?* 

‘ Ay ; through and through ; and with the greatest 
attention.’ 

‘ And what impression did it leave on your mind ?’ 

‘ Just so much impression as the shadow of yon 
floating cloud has left on the objects over which it 
passed. I was a Jew before I read it: and having 
read I was as much a Jew as ever.’ 

‘ You would have been twice as much a Jew had 
you received the testimony which it bears to the King 
of the Jews. But answer me honestly to this, did 
you, before investigating that book, or during the 
investigation, pray for divine light to guide you into 
all truth ?’ 

‘ No ) for having all truth in my possession, while 
1 hold the law and the prophets, I should be belying 


JTJDAH S LION. 


185 


:ny faith, and mocking the Most High, if I ask to be 
guided into what I know does not exist’ 

^Well, then, did you pray to be kept from error?* 

‘ No, I do not remember that I did : I had one 
touchstone, Hear, O Israel,” and whatever militates 
against the unity of the God of Israel is by that 
touchstone at once exposed and shivered to atoms.* 
He spoke this with an expression of mingled indigna- 
tion and contempt. 

^ I grant it : but the great mystery that you reject 
courts a contact with that touchstone. Y ou do not 
try it fairly, because you do not ask of the Lord to 
show you what, if it be true, is, must be, a mystery to 
human reason, and apprehended only by faith ; which 
faith is the gift of God given for man’s justification, as 
your own Scriptures declare ; for Moses says, Abra- 
ham believed God, and He counted it unto him for 
righteousness,” and Habbakkuk says, “ The just shall 
live by his faith.” Isaiah asks, “ Who hath believed 
our report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord re- 
vealed?” 1 could cite many more passages to the 
same effect ; but I will only direct your attention to 
one, and that an aAvful one : — you will find it in the 
sixth chapter of Isaiah.’ 

‘ What is it V asked Mr. Cohen. 

^ It is this,’ answered Captain Ryan ; and he read 
the passage, “ Go, and tell this people. Hear ye in- 
deed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but 
perceive not : make the heart of this people fat, and 
make their lears'hfeavy, and shut their eyes; lest they 
see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and 
16 * 


186 


Judah’s lion. 


understand with their heart, and convert, and bo 
healed.’ 

‘ And you apply this to us, because we reject certain 
additions made by man to the word of God V said Da 
Costa. 

‘ It must apply to you, for Isaiah wrote of no other 
people ; and according to your own declaration you 
receive the whole of the Old Testament without a 
cavil. It is against a farther revelation of God, con- 
tinually referred to in those Scriptures, that you close 
your eyes, ears, heart; and you will not even put up 
a secret silent prayer, to have the veil taken away 
which we assert is upon your heart ; and if it be not 
there, surely such prayer can do no harm. The Lord 
will not answer a petition for more light by deepening 
your present darkness.’ 

‘ That is the point : we have light in abundance, 
and to ask for more would be to ask a vain thing.’ 

‘ Your fathers thought the same. Do you remem 
her a passage in the Gospel, where Jesus cured 8 
blind man, and so provoked the boastful rebukes of 
the Pharisees, who scoffingly asked him, “ Are we 
blind also?” Jesus answered them, “ If ye were blind, 
ye should have no sin ; but now ye say, we see, there- 
fore your sin remaineth.” ’ 

‘ I don’t remember it ; but no doubt you quote 
correctly.’ 

‘Yes: and without recollecting it you express the 
very same thing that they did. You boast of seeing 

of having as much light as you require : and indeed, 

the light you have in the Old Testament is a true 
light, shining in a dark place ; but its^ purpose is to 


Judah’s lion. 


187 


show you a path whereby you may emerge and walk 
in the blaze of day. It is because you neglect this 
use of the light already vouchsafed, that you offend 
the gracious Giver, and remain under his displeasure. 
Oh, that you w^ould search, not only carefully but 
prayerfully, the record which God hath given us of his 
Son !’ 

Da Costa shook his head ; and Captain Ryan de- 
sisted from pressing the point further at that time. 
They parted in perfect cordiality, arranging an excur- 
sion for the morrow to explore the adjacent country. 
Charley eagerly asked whether they should see the 
house of Simon the tanner, to which Da Costa replied 
that he would take care he should visit the spot 
celebrated as the remains of that same house. He 
left them all delighted with his evidently noble cha- 
racter, and Captain Ryan, while he foresaw a great 
hinderance to Alick’s progress in the society of so 
determined an opposer, rejoiced in the hope that 
always animated him when he met a Hebrew zealous 
in the law, like Saul of Tarsus ; and promising equal 
zeal in whatsoever the Lord might enable him to re- 
ceive. He pondered on the strange anomaly of a 
man who sincerely believed in God as the Author of 
all truth and Preserver from all error, declining to 
beseech help from Him when studying what he be- 
lieves to be a false and dangerous fable. It is the 
enemy of souls who tempts men to this proud reliance 
on themselves : and surely the prayer of every one 
who loves Israel should daily ascend, that they may 
turn to the Lord : because when they do so, the veil 
shall be taken away. 


CHAPTER XII. 


No real amendment took place in the nealth of Mr. 
Cohen ; his debility increased, and a feverish ten- 
dency bespoke the danger of continued exposure to a 
relaxing climate. A few days decided his plans ; and 
finding that the man-of-war still remained in the port 
of Valetta, and that an opportunity presented itself 
for returning thither by a shorter route than he had 
anticipated, he resolved on availing himself pf it. 
Their approaching separation rendered every hour 
precious to Alick that he could pass with his father ' 
consequently, all excursions were suspended in which 
he could not join without fatigue. 

Da Costa, however, managed to render their limited 
sphere of observation very interesting by the rich store 
of local and historical knowledge with whi(‘h his mind 
was furnished, and his intimate acquaintance with 
the characters both of the country and the people 
around them. The Bazaar of Jaffa was a favourable 
spot for the display of such information ; and Char- 
ley’s inquisitiveness was sure to draw it all out. Da 
Costa was fond of children, and this Irish boy quite 
won his heart ; to the surprise of his parents, how- 
ever, Charley remained true to his decided preference 
for Alick. He warmly returned Da Costa’s affection- 
ate regard, but a smile from his first friend was evi- 


JUDAHS LION. 


189 


dently of more value in his sight than all that the 
really fascinating stranger could do or say to please 
him. This was the more remarked by Captain and 
Mrs. Ryan, because Alick had become so habitually 
silent and thoughtful, that it formed quite a contrast, 
not only to his lively countryman, but to his former 
self Charley often stood beside Da Costa, or sate 
on his knee, listening with delight to his animated 
conversation ; but he was sure to steal away before 
long, and to settle himself in his old station, his |?right 
curls spreading on Alick’ s shoulder, and his eye fre- 
quently turned to discover how his friend enjoyed what 
was passing around them. 

‘ Dear child !’ whispered Mrs. Ryan to her hus- 
band on one of these occasions ; — ‘ They say we are 
a fickle people, unstable in our attachments ; hut that 
babe is a living contradiction to the assertion. Do 
but look how lovingly he watches every turn of Alick’ s 
countenance.’ 

^ I do observe it, my dear; and it afibrds me more 
satisfaction than you are aware of’ 

One of the first visits made by the party was to the 
reputed house of Simon the tanner. The consul to 
whom it belonged had given a ready permission to 
explore every corner of the old ruin, which was, in- 
deed, a work of no difficulty. 

‘And is this Simon’s house?’ asked Charles, in 
a tone where doubt and disappointment seemed to 
predominate. 

‘ So they say,’ answered Da Costa. 

‘ Ah, but do you your own self say it is?’ persisted 
Charley. 


190 


judah’s lion. 


^ How can I tell? Or, indeed, what does it matter, 
so long as people agree to believe it is ; and so are 
equally pleased, whether it be true or false.’ 

^ Oh, but people shouldn’t be pleased with what is 
false,’ answered the boy in his quick way ; and nobody 
ought to agree to believe a lie.’ 

^ If you don’t look sharp after this lad,’ said Da 
Costa to Captain Ryan, ^ he’ll fight his way out of 
all’ — he checked himself, and added, ^ he will believe 
no mpre than can be proved on unimpeachable evi- 
dence.’ 

‘ So much the better,’ answered the Captain ; 
whose eye had just then caught the figure of a Mal- 
tese sailor, performing a variety of crossings and gen- 
uflexions in front of the ruin, with a string of beads 
depending from his wrist. 

Da Casta turned again to Charley. ‘ Now suppose 
it to be all true, and that this is bond fide the house 
where the tanner lived, what is there in it to make 
you happy in seeing it?’ 

‘ I don’t know what bond fide is, sir ; but I like to 
see places where things happened.’ 

‘ Well, I have helped many to a sight of this place • 
but I confess I don’t exactly know what happened 
here. Can you tell me the history of this renowned 
tanner ?’ 

Charley’s eyes sparkled : ^ Oh, it isn’t the tanner, 
Mr. Dockster,’ (so he called the Jew) — ^ we know 
nothing about him, only his name ; but Peter lodged 
here : and he went up to the top, there, to pray, and 
— stop. I’ll read it ; for I shall make a jumble if I 
try to tell you all.’ He borrowed his papa’s Bible, 


Judah’s lion. 


191 


and read the particulars, to which the other listened 
very attentively, as did both the .Cohens, Having 
ended, he shut the book, and said, ‘ It all comes to 
this, Mr. Dockster; up to that time you Jews had the 
true religion all to yourselves ; but here, here,’ and 
he looked joyfully up again to the dark, dull pile of 
broken building, ‘ we poor Gentiles were let in, you 
see.’ » 

‘No, no;’ said Da Costa, involuntarily, as he 
turned away, with a look of displeasure not usually 
seen on his cheerful countenance. Captain Ryan 
immediately asked, ‘ Do you mean to deny that a 
participation in your spiritual blessings was promised 
to the Gentiles V 

Da Costa answered in Hebrew, ‘“You only have 
I known, of all the families of the earth.” ’ 

‘ True ; at the time those words were spoken, no 
nation upon earth, save Israel alone, knew the true 
God, or were acknowledged by him as his people: 
but, versed as you are in the Scriptures, a moment’s 
reflection will bring innumerable passages to your 
mind where, through you, a blessing is promised to 
Gentile lands. Take, for example, the promises 
given, and continually repeated to Abraham himself. 
“ In thy seed shall all the families of the earth be 
blessed.” How do you explain this?’ 

‘ It is not yet accomplished,’ replied Da Costa, 
evidently not wishing to prolong the discussion which 
he had inadvertently provoked ; but seeing his oppo- 
nent by no means disposed to let it drop, he added, 
with some warmth, ‘ I never can, I never will for a 
moment credit the tale that any part, not to say the 


192 


JUDAH’s LiON. 


whole of the law delivered with such terrible signs 
and awful sanctions to my fathers, through their great 
leader, Moses, was abrogated by the visionary ap- 
pearance of a bundle of beasts to an obscure fisherman 
on the top of a house,’ and he looked scornfully up. 

‘ In the first place,’ said Captain Ryan, • nothing 
was abrogated in the way you mention. A remark- 
able vision bearing upon a particular branch of the 
national dispensation, was so explained to Peter’s 
understanding as to induce a ready obedience to the 
voice that bade him go and bear tidings of salvation 
to a Gentile inquirer. The visionary sheet with its 
contents descended from heaven, into which nothing 
defiling can enter ; and the lesson impressed on his 
mind was that God had cleansed them. The whole 
was typical and beautifully expressive. As to the 
individual being only an obscure fisherman, Moses 
was nothing greater in the world’s estimation, when 
keeping sheep on the mountain w'here the Lord first 
appeared to him. Moses, himself an Israelite, was 
divinely instructed to proclaim to the people of Israel 
their approaching deliverance from the land of Egypt, 
the house of bondage. Peter, also an Israelite, was 
divinely commissioned to announce to the Gentiles, 
that unto them too was granted repentance unto life 
— deliverance from the far worse bondage of Satan. 
Nor were the signs that confirmed the divine mission 
of Peter less marvellous than those vouchsafed to 
Moses — nay,’ he added, as Da Costa, with crimsoning 
cheek attempted to interrupt him : ‘ hear me out. 
The powers given to such as believed in those days, 
were as marvellous as any on record. They spake 


JUDAH S LION. 


193 


with tongues of which they were before wholly igno- 
rant ; they cast out devils, they healed the sick, they 
recalled the dead to life. And more, ay far more 
than all this. Da Costa, they prevailed so to plant 
this hated, persecuted religion, without the aid of 
sword or spear, without the aid of regal power, or an 
atom of worldly influence, without even the aid of 
human wisdom or learning, or skill, that not all the 
powers of earth and hell combined could resist the 
progress, or shake the solidity of the work. Oh, be- 
lieve me, what you scorn as a bare invention of man, 
is but the continuation, the completion of God’s glo- 
rious work, begun in the Mount Horeb, finished on 
Mount Calvary, and yet to be proclaimed and estab- 
lished throughout the world from the summit of the 
Mount of Olives, when the feet of your glorious King 
and ours shall there stand, and his voice be heard, 
and from his presence the ungodly, like smoke, shall 
vanish away. “ And the Lord shall be King over all 
the earth: in that day there shall be one Lord, and 
his name one.” ’ 

He gave the text in Hebrew ; and as he stood facing 
the fiery Israelite, with a look, tone, action not a whit 
less fiery than his own. Da Costa’s countenance soft- 
ened into an expression of gentle kindness, evidently 
no less natural to it than the high determination of 
the preceding moment. ‘Well, Ryan, I, for one, 
shall rejoice to see you, and such as you, partakers in 
the blessedness of that glorious period, which you seem 
to see at once so clearly and through so wrong a me- 
dium, that your faith furnishes me with the most puz- 
zling enigma I ever tried to read. Many have talked 
17 


194 


JUDAH^S LION. 


in my hearing of the same thing that you continually 
dwell upon j but they speak after such a cut-and-dried 
fashion, with unmoved muscle, lack-lustre eye, and 
measured, meanless tone, that the manner is suffi- 
cient antidote to the matter of their discourse. You, 
on the contrary, fairly boil over from the workings of 
a mind thoroughly heated by its subject. ^ You are 
in earnest,’ he continued emphatically ; ‘ and I can 
only account for your having such an evident part in 
our high anticipations, by remembering the national 
claim to consanguinity which I believe you really pos- 
sess. So, my dear fellow, on this accommodating 
neutral ground we may for the present take our stand: 
and time will settle the rest.’ 

Alick looked hard at Captain Ryan, as if to read 
his thoughts ; and the latter said, ^ Not so, Da Costa : 
there is no neutral ground for either of us to occupy. 
The King whom we both expect will be to us a king 
of terrors, if we regard him not in all the bearings of 
his three-fold office. Prophet and Priest, equally as 
King. As Prophet, he must have somewhat to teach 
more than Moses directly taught ; for to Moses God 
saith, “ I will raise them up a Prophet from among 
their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words 
in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I 
shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that 
whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he 
shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.” 
Again, as Priest, he must have a calling higher than 
that of the Levitical priesthood, higher than Aaron, 
for David distinctly says, ‘‘ The Lord hath sworn, and 
will not repent. Thou art a priest for ever after the 


JUDAH^S LION. 


195 


’order of Melchizedek.” Mow Melohizedek was, as 
you will see here, (Genesis xiv. 18.) king of Salem, 
and priest of the Most High God ; he blessed Abram 
in the name of the Most High God: he praised the 
Most High God for delivering his enemies into his 
hand ; and now. Da Costa, Avhat did Abram unto 
Melchizedek V 

Da Costa, who was deeply examining the Hebrew 
text, which Ryan all along had quoted, supplied the 
answer from it.' ^ He gave him tithes of all.” But 
I don’t see the slightest connexion between this and 
what we were talking of’ 

^ Wait: we are talking of Messiah the king, whom 
I assert to be also the Prophet like unto Moses, and 
the everlasting Priest, after the order of Melchizedek. 
I have said that the promised Prophet must have a 
farther revelation to make after that of Moses : and I 
am showing that the predicted Priest, being after the 
order of Melchizedek, must have a priesthood higher 
than that of Aaron ; for Abraham, the forefather of 
Levi, and of every tribe of Israel, received a blessing 
from, and paid tithes to, this Melchizedek, who was a 
vivid type of the Messiah ; for as a king, the king of 
Salem, king of Peace, he met and greeted Abraham; 
as a Prophet he announced him blessed of the Most 
High God, and as a Priest he received at his hand 
the tithe of his spoils — the exact provision afterwards 
divinely appointed for the Levitical Priesthood. Out 
of your own Scriptures I draw these truths ; I lay 
them before you ; I tell you that in him for whose 
second corning I look, I find all the prophetical, 
priestly, kingly character combined in glorious bar- 


196 


JUDAH S LION. 


mony, and shining forth with divine effulgence ; and 
I tell you, too, that unless we thus recognize him, 
neither Jew nor Gentile can hail his appearing other- 
wise than as the signal for their immediate and ever- 
lasting destruction.’ 

‘ You are a master of your subject,’ said Da Costa j 
^ whereas I, having nothing at hand to which I may 
refer, and being but indifferently read in the subtleties 
of these controversial matters, stand at a manifest dis- 
advantage. Yet had I even my travelling book-case 
witliin reach, I would answer you.’ 

‘ Da Costa,’ said Ryan solemnly, laying his hand 
on his shoulder, ‘ the coming for which we look may 
be instantaneous ; or, by a stroke, sudden and unex- 
pected as the midnight flash, you may be removed 
into the world of spirits ; and in either case you must 
answer for yourself — an answer on which hangs your 
eternal doom. Oh, will it suffice you then to talk of 
a book-case, when the thrilling enquiry is put, ‘ Why 
didst thou not believe the writings of Moses, of David, 
of all the prophets, when, taught by my Spirit, they 
testified of me T Here, in this narrow compass lie all 
the books we require. By Jews, by Jews alone was 
every word written : you gave us the bread of life, 
and why will you perish with hunger, while a grateful 
Gentile believer in your own glorious Messiah, im- 
plores you to eat and be satisfied : to look and live !’ 

Tears started into the eyes of the ardent Christian 
soldier, as, pressing the sacred volume against the 
bosom of the Jew, he gazed upon him with all the 
yearnings of one who sees his dearest benefactor perish- 
ing and refusing to be rescued. Da Costa’s eyes were 


JUDAH S LION. 


197 


wholly shaded hy the long dark lashes that fell over 
them, bent as they were on the ground ; and it was 
impossible to determine by what species of emotion 
his cheek was blanched, his brow knit, and his lips 
compressed. It might be smothered wrath ; it might 
be wounded pride ; it might be an awakened fear that 
all was not safe with him : be it what it might, all was 
for some moments silent and still throughout the 
group. Mrs. Ryan’s heart echoed the prayer which 
she knew her husband was silently breathing on be- 
half of his Hebrew friend. Mr. Cohen, seated on a 
broken fragment, was deeply pondering what he heard j 
and Alick, in whose arms little Charley had fallen 
asleep through fatigue, had his countenance lighted 
up with a gladness which he seemed desirous of check- 
ing, or at least of disguising, but he could not. He 
had longed to witness a direct attack on either side, 
where little more than light skirmishing had hitherto 
taken place ; and now his wish was gratified. 

^ The Gentile,’ thought he, ^ takes all his argu- 
ments out of the New Testament without owning it. 
I have read all that about Melchizedek in theEpistle to 
the Hebrews, or I am much mistaken ] but Da Costa 
thinks it is all new. Why does not he read for him- 
self, so as to remember it ? And why does he not 
now give a reason for disbelieving what the other 
says ? Oh, that I myself knew how much to believe, 
and how much to reject of these things!’ The con- 
sciousness of unsatisfied doubt again saddened his 
looks ; and before any one could remark the smile of 
pleasure, it had passed away. 

‘ What a persevering fellow is that Irishman,’ said 

17 * 


198 


Judah’s lion. 


Da Costa the next time he was alone with Alick, 
‘ Of just such stuff, I should imagine, were the pro- 
selytes of other days made ; noble aspiring tempers, 
who hovered about Judaism like the moth around the 
flame, till they were caught and blended with the all- 
conquering element.’ 

‘ Were you in any way staggered by his arguments V 
asked Alick. 

‘ No ; hut I was mortified at being unable to an- 
swer him, through my imperfect knowledge of a book 
in which we ought at least to be as well read as any 
Gentile. Of course, he got his interpretations from 
commentators of his own creed ; and he has studied 
them to good purpose.’ 

‘ No, he told me the contrary, he was on service, 
thinking of nothing but military fame, knowing and 
caring nothing about religion of any sort, when by 
some means he got alarmed as to the state he was in 
before God. It was in a wild part of India, far from 
any minister, or any books except the Bible ; and for 
a year that was his only teacher, his only^ comfort. 
He there learned all that he knows of religion ; and 
on returning home, instead of sitting down, as he says, 
to find out what other men had thought of the matter, 
he tried to rouse the minds of those around him who 
had never thought about it at all. He declares it 
was the Bible alone that led him to take such an in- 
terest in our people ; and from that he gets his argu- 
ments to prove that we are in darkness.’ 

‘ In other words, he comes to our armoury for & 
sword to cut our throats with.’ 


Judah’s lion. 


199 


Yes ; and to tell you the truth, I think it a pity we 
don’t go there ourselves for a shield to defend them.’ 

‘ That’s true : but he refers only to the written word, 
whereas we have the oral law, equally binding, and 
requiring a vast deal more study than you or I could 
bestow to acquaint ourselves with it.’ 

‘ Still,’ said Alick, ‘ as he neither quotes nor recog- 
nizes any thing of ours, but Moses and the Prophets, 
I don’t see why we should not enable ourselves to meet 
him there.’ 

‘ But we cannot rightly interpret these books with- 
out the help of our learned Rabbis, who devoted their 
lives to the discovery of hidden meanings, not discerni- 
ble to such as we.’ 

‘ Then they are not discernible to him,’ rejoined 
Alick, ^ so we shall still be on a par. Besides, to tell 
you the truth, I do not think that God would so write 
his book as to make falsehood appear on the face of 
it, and leave truth to be discovered only by those who 
have learning, and leisure for intense study.’ 

Da Costa shook his head: ‘ Have a care, Cohen j 
you are on dangerous ground.’ 

‘ No, I think not ; take any passage in the prophe- 
cies, touching our national preservation, restoration, 
triumph and perpetuity — we understand, we believe, 
and rejoice in it. But listen to a Gentile commenta- 
tor, you will hear him setting aside the plain meaning 
as figurative, typical, and all that ; and claiming for 
himself and his uncircumcised brethren, what God has 
promised to the seed of Abraham alone — and all by 
virtue of a hidden meaning !’ 

Da Costa was struck by this argument, ‘ Y ou are 


200 


JUDAH S LION. 


right, my lad : there lies enough on the surface for us 
to glean a profitable harvest. Shall we begin to study 
in earnest, a la Ryan V 

^ I am past beginning : I have been at it pretty 
hard for weeks.’ 

It was agreed that they should read the Hebrew 
scriptures together daily ; and Alick felt happier than 
he had done for some time : nor was his pleasure les- 
sened when Da Costa proposed that they should oc- 
casionally look into the New Testament to see, as he 
said, how the Christians contrived to twist to their own 
purposes and meanings the words of truth. ^ With all 
my heart,’ said Alick : but just remember one thing. 
Da Costa : I have a great dislike to calling names.’ 

‘ You are right,’ replied the noble Israelite. Scur 
rility can form no part of a gentleman’s religion ; 
from me you will hear no word of railing reproach, 
in reference to what we both most heartily disbelieve 
and detest’ 

Alick could not stand this appeal to his honesty* 
he boldly said, ^ I am far from being persuaded that I 
am bound to detest what, however, I cannot say that I 
believe : the character of Jesus is a very lovely one, so 
far as I can see ; and surely I may regard it with re- 
spect, while rejecting his claims to the Messiahship.’ 

‘ You will see there is no medium,’ observed Da 
Costa, very composedly, ‘ However, our plan will 
put an end to your doubts, if any exist ; for I know no 
better way to guard a man against these idolatrous 
inventions, than to investigate the clumsy fabrications 
on which they are grounded, I found it so myself j 
a cursory perusal of that book which they have pre- 


JUDAH S LION. 


201 


I 


I 

,1 


sumed to Lind up with our sacred writings, left me 
quite proof against the theological devices of all the 
Nazarenes beneath the sun.’ 

The eve of Mr, Cohen’s departure was spent chiefly 
in private discourse between him and his son, ‘ I wish 
you, my dear boy,’ he said, ^ to cultivate the friendship 
of Da Costa ; for he is the very soul of integrity, and 
in every way a delightful, a valuable companion for 
you : yet in my own place, I would prefer leaving the 
Ryans, as already settled ; not only because they 
have sacrificed their convenience and altered all their 
plans for our accommodation, but that, really, I find 
my respect for, my confidence in them, daily increased. 
For myself, Alick, I am not so strong as I was, nor 
can we penetrate the decrees of the Most High, as to 
whether He will revive and restore me or otherwise : 
but this I know, that my firm trust is in Him who has 
not said to the house of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain.’ 

After a short silence, which Alick had not power to 
break, Mr. Cohen asked, ^ What was the name of that 
honest gunner on board our old ship V 

‘ Gordon, sir,’ answered Alick ; in whose bosom 
the question excited other emotions besides that of 
pleased surprise. Much excellent advice and ex- 
pressions of paternal love on the one side, responded 
to by promises of obedience, and the overflowings of 
grateful affection on the other, closed this interview. 
Alick scarcely slept that night : prayers for his dear 
father, and thoughts of home that almost tempted him 
to insist on returning, occupied the hours. But at 
early dawn he was roused by the voice of Da Costa, 
who spoke of an arrangement made with the Ryans 


202 


judah’s lion. 


to start for Jerusalem on the following day ; and this, 
as he conjectured it would, greatly softened to Alick 
the pang of bidding a long farewell to his fond parent 
As the little vessel scudded away from the land, the 
two young Hebrews mounted a rising ground, to gaze 
on its lessening sails ; . and Da Costa exclaimed, 
‘ Lord, how long ? Still must the children of thy 
chosen come to these shores, the guests of a day, and 
depart into renewed exile ? Oh, when wilt thou set 
thine hand to gather us from the four winds, and plant 
thy people once more upon the holy mountain, Jeru- 
salem ! Lord, how long 

No time was lost in arranging for the journey for- 
ward : and with many delightful anticipations of what 
was in store for them, the strangers — that is to say 
Mrs. Ryan, Charley, and Alick, watched the progress 
of preparation in which Da Costa took the lead. 
Horses were provided, and a little seat for Charles 
was, by the clever contrivance of his father, so 
arranged on the front of his own saddle as to secure 
the boy both from danger and the fatigue he must 
otherwise have encountered, unless, — which he would 
by no means consent to, — he was so carried as to 
deprive him of a look-out on all sides. 

‘ I will see every bit of the country, so I will,’ said 
Charley ; ^ for it is God’s own land, and there is no 
other like it all over the world.’ 

‘ The earth is the Lord’s,’ remarked his mother : 
‘ and every country throughout the whole world is 
His.’ 

‘ I know it, mamma ; but not like this. Everybody 
has other places, but nobody has the Holy Land.’ 


JUDAH S LION. 


203 


‘ I should like to hear you make that out,’ said Da 
Costa, who was improving the fashion of a cap to 
defend the little fellow’s eyes from the hot sun. 

^ I can’t make it out very well for you, Mr. Dockster ; 
but sure I know what I know, and I know what I 
think, though I can’t put it in words.’ 

‘Well, but try, Charley: let us know what you 
think too.’ 

‘ Why then, did’nt God give you this land all to 
yourselves entirely, Mr. Jews?’ asked the boy, ad- 
dressing his two friends. 

‘ Ay, that he did,’ answered Da Costa ; and Alick 
added, ‘ every inch of it, Charley, to Abraham, and to 
his seed after him, for ever.’ 

‘ That’s it, that’s it,’ shouted the little boy, taking a 
jump like a young kid. ‘ He did’nt give it to any 
body else then.’ 

Never — never!’ 

Here the little fellow’s countenance changed to 
great and serious earnestness; he glided up to Da 
Costa, and taking hold of the end of his sash, said, 
‘ Have you got the land now? have you?’ and with- 
out waiting for a reply, he went on, sorrowfully shak- 
ing his head, ‘ No, you hav’nt, you hav’nt got it — 

‘ The cedars wave on Lebanon, 

But Judah’s statelier maids are gone.’ 

I The well-remembered lines made Alick’ s heart thrill. 

I Da Costa, who had never heard the child quote them 

I before, seemed overwhelmed with astonishment 
Charley then, with great rapidity, went on ; ‘So it 
isn’t anybody-else’s, and you havn’t got it; and it’s 


204 


JUDAH’S LION. 


just like my blue coat that was made too big for me^ 
and mamma keeps it locked up till I grow bigger ; 
and it’s mine, and nobody else’s ; but it’s mamma’s 
till I get it — and so, and so, — that’s what I think, you 
darling of a Jew!’ and then, by means of Da Costa’s 
sash and arm he climbed up, — a manoeuvre that Alick 
had taught him — and hung round his neck. 

^Well said, my boy!’ exclaimed Captain Ryan, 
who with ineffable delight had listened to his expla- 
nation. ^ This land is the Lord’s in a most peculiar 
sense indeed ; and in proof that howsoever it may be 
occupied during the interval of his dear people’s dis- 
persion, it actually belongs to no other race, he shuts 
up its fertility, withholds the corn, the wine, the oil, 
the milk and the honey, and everything that consti- 
tuted it the glory of all lands, locking it up — no ex- 
pression could better describe the thing — until the 
time comes for the renewed occupancy of those to 
whom it so truly appertains. What say you. Da 
Costa V 

‘ I say. Captain Ryan,’ answered the Jew, who had 
all the while been caressing Charles most fondly, 
‘ that a man with such arrows as this in his quiver 
may well stand in the gate, and face every enemy. 
The blessing of the race you love be upon you, boy ! 
there is more in that young mind than I can fathom.’ 

They set out, and all was sunshine around them. 
How often does the morning beam rest brightly where 
before evening’s fall, the clouds shall gather, and the 
storm burst, and desolation overspread a path where 
the pilgrim looked only for peace and joy I 


CHAPTER XIV. 


The cavalcade that left the walls of Jaffa, though 
not an extensive, was yet a respectable one. Recent 
events had opened the route considerably more than 
might have been anticipated fifty years before ; but 
it still was a difficult, and frequently an unsafe road. 
The wandering Arab’s hand, restrained by powerful 
authority, was still against every man ; and theft, if 
nothing worse, might be apprehended, in the absence 
of due precaution. Our travellers, therefore, were 
well armed, and sufficiently attended. Alick, to his 
infinite delight, found himself on the back of a most 
frolicksome young horse ; and Da Costa, equally well 
mounted, fully partook in the exhilaration of spirit 
that rose beyond control. Often, when the road per- 
mitted, the young men resigned themselves to the 
discretion of their fleet and fiery Arabian steeds, 
making wide circuits at a wild full gallop, and re- 
turning in breathless glee to their more sedate but 
not less cheerful companions. It was during one of 
these their excursive expeditions that Mrs. Ryan took 
the opportunity of remarking to her husband ‘ I did 
not think Alick would have approached Jerusalem 
in such buoyant spirits.’ 

‘ Dear boy !’ answered Captain Ryan, ^ he has 
been heavily oppressed of late ; and this ebullition 
18 


206 


JUDAH^S LION. 


of youthful joyousness is quite natural. Do you not 
feel a gladdening influence in the soft, balmy air, the 
brilliant sunbeams, the gorgeous tints of those rich 
flowers, relieved by patches of verdure almost rival- 
ling that of our own emerald isle — that waving line 
of majestic mountains, and the combination of mag- 
nificence with tender beauty that perpetually meets 
your eye ?’ 

‘ I do, my love : but yet’ — she hesitated, and hung 
her head over the bridle that she had been knotting 
round her fingers — 

‘ But what, Ellen, dearest? go on and tell me all.’ 

‘ Indeed, indeed, Robert, I cannot feel joyous. 
These things do, as you say, gladden me by their 
loveliness, but the feeling is momentary. My heart 
is sad: my spirit mourns and cries Ichabod.” For 
alas ! “ How hath the Lord covered the daughter of 
Zion with a cloud in his anger, and cast down from 
heaven unto the earth the beauty of Israel, and re- 
membered not his footstool in the day of his anger ! 
The Lord hath swallowed up all the habitations of 
Jacob, and hath not pitied ; he hath thrown down in 
his wrath the strong-holds of the daughter of Judah : 
he hath brought them down to the ground : he hath 
polluted the kingdom and the princes thereof.” ’ 

She repeated these words of the prophet in a voice 
so musically sad, that it attracted the notice of some 
of the attendants, and one of them, a very fine young 
Syrian, drew near to listen to her tones. Charley, 
who had been shouting with delight at the equestrian 
exploits of his friends, was also arrested by them; 
and the change that came over his countenance wad 


JUDAH^S LION. 


2or 

very marked. He glanced at the listening foreigner 
and said, ^ Papa, tell that nasty Turk to keep away 
from us.’ 

‘ Fie, Charles : what has the poor fellow done to 
offend you ; or to provoke such an unbecoming ex- 
pression ?’ 

^ Why he is a Turk, and has got Jerusalem away 
from the Jews : and he hates the Jews, and so I don’t 
want him to come poking here, listening to what we 
say, papa.’ 

^ It would be a pity he should hear what you say, 
certainly !’ replied Captain Ryan, half smiling ; ‘ but 
in the first place he cannot understand our language ; 
in the next place he is no Turk ; and lastly, of what- 
soever nation he might he, he is a man, and my little 
boy must not forget the Apostle’s injunction, to “ ho- 
nour all men.” ’ 

‘ Oh, papa, I am very sorry, I quite forgot that : 
but are you sure he is not a Turk, Papa ?’ 

‘Yes, he is a Christiain, in name at least : but bye 
and bye we shall see more Turks than we have yet 
done, and I hope you will indulge no ili-wiU against 
them, poor fellows !’ 

Charley shook his head ; his prejudices were strong, 
and to avoid giving any promise he turned to his 
mother; ^ Mamma, don’t you hate the Turks?’ 

‘ Hate them, my dear ? no : on the contrary I feel 
greatly interested for them.’ 

Charley seemed quite at fault : however, to his 
great relief, the two Jews now trotted up, and he 
bawled out at the top of his little voice, ‘ Mr. Dock- 
ster ! Mr. Alick ! don’ t you hate the Tui’ks ?’ 


208 


Judah’s lion. 


‘ Not at all,’ replied Da Costa, laughing: and Alicl 
added, ‘ Such respectable-looking personages, Charley, 
with turbans and beards, and famous long pipes, who 
can help admiring them V 

To the surprise of the party, the little fellow hurst 
into a fit of angry crying, and said, ‘ Nobody loves 
the poor dear Jews but me !’ 

Mrs. Ryan began to expostulate ; Alick to soothe ; 
hut Da Costa, after fixing a look of deep anxiety on 
his face, drew close to Captain Ryan, and whispered, 

‘ He is ilk’ 

The father’s arm trembled as he pressed the sob- 
bing babe to his bosom, and said in the softest tone : 
‘Yes, the Lord loves the poor dear Jews far better 
than my Charley can do.’ 

Smiling through his tears, the little fellow looked 
up, stroked his father’s face, and replied, ‘ I know it.’ 
The touch of that hot, dry hand was hut too confir- 
matory of Da Costa’s whisper. Captain Ryan held 
it to his lips, and in a cheerful, but still very soothing 
voice, said, “ Surely there is no enchantment against 
Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel ; 
according to this time it shall he said of Jacob and of 
Israel, What hath God wrought!” 

‘ Good, good!’ cried Charley ; ‘ tell me some more 
Bible, Papa, now we are in Bible-land.’ 

Meanwhile Da Costa had said something to Alick 
that blanched his cheek ; but he made an effort to 
look unconcerned. Mrs. Ryan, ignorant of its imme- 
diate cause, seemed pleased at the seriousness of 
those whose thoughts she had expected to find more 
in umson with her own 


JUDAH S LION. 


209 


‘ I am glad you express no unkind or resentful feel- 
ing against the poor Turks,’ she said to Da Costa. 

‘ They certainly had no hand in bringing calamity on 
your people, and their prejudices are not stronger 
against you than those of some who call themselves 
Christians, and from whom, not from you, they wrest- 
ed the land.’ 

^ True,’ replied he : ‘ their quarrel was with the 
Crusaders, with whom, I believe, you have little fel- 
lowship of feeling ; and one of the first exploits of a 
crusading corps, preparatory to marching against the 
warlike Saracens, was to murder, with every aggra- 
vation of cruelty, some community of unarmed, help- 
less, unresisting Israelites in their own neighbour- 
hood.’ He spoke with cool contempt, but his cheek 
burned with a fire that he strove to smother. 

^ Who did that V asked Alick hastily. 

‘ Rome,’ replied Mrs. Ryan, ^ You know the origin 
of the Crusades: the Turks had conquered the holy 
land, this holy land (and she looked round with glisten- 
ing eyes) from the Romans, and established them- 
selves in it, to the expulsion of all that bore the name, 
however falsely, of Christianity. To recover this rich 
1 possession, the Roman Pontiff brought into the mar- 
ket his treasury of spiritual merchandizes, and gathered 
armies out of every nation subjected to his yoke, mak- 
ing it a work of merit sufficient for the purchase of an 
eternal inheritance in heaven, to drive the Turk from 
Palestine, and to re-establish the superstitious prac- 
tices that, alas ! I fear we shall soon see in full dis- 
play at what they call the holy sepulchre.’ 

The fiery animation^ and exulting delight that 
18 "= 


210 


JUDAH S LION. 


flashed from Da Costa’s eyes, reminded her that a 
wrong construction might be put on her words ; she. 
therefore corrected herself: ^ I say, what they call 
the holy sepulchre, because there is very strong 
ground to question whether the spot over which they 
have reared a church is indeed that where the body 
of our blessed Lord was laid during the period that 
intervened between his death and glorious resurrec- 
tion. I, for one, hope it is not; for grevious indeed 
must it be to the eye of one who loves the Lord Jesus, 
to behold the idolatrous abominations that are per- 
petrated in His name, under a supposition that there 
he was laid, and there burst the tomb. To return, 
these crusading expeditions were led by kings, and 
comprised the flower of every European land. They 
W'ere blessed to the work, plentifully supplied with 
counter-charms to meet the supposed sorcery of the 
Moslem ; and as a trial of martial prowess, an intro- 
duction to the work of blood, and a peculiarly accept- 
able sacrifice to the God of peace and mercy, the 
God of Israel, they were encouraged to seek out and 
to massacre the Hebrew families, who dwelt in their 
respective countries. This they did, with every cir- 
cumstance of cruelty that satanic malignity could- sug- 
gest, and persecuting execute, against the ancient 
people of God. The Crusaders succeeded ; and pa- 
pal Rome regained what pagan Rome had first ac- 
quired — even the Holy City of Jerusalem !’ 

^ We are now,’ said Captain Ryan, ‘ crossing from 
the portion of Dan into that of Ephraim.’ 

‘ Yes,’ added Da Costa, ^ and we shall recross into 
that of Dan, for a very little space j then into the lot 


JUDAH S LION. 


211 


of Benjamin, thence to that of Judah, vain words! 
Dan, Ephrairq, Benjamin, Judah — where are they?’ 

^ Preparing to return and repossess the land which 
God gave to them and to their seed for ever — for an 
everlasting possession, exclaimed Captain Ryan. 

Charley, whose looks bore witness to the fervency 
of his eagerness while listening to his mother, now 
said, ‘ Mamma, how came the Turks back again? 
Did they drive the Papists out ?’ 

‘ Yes, my dear: Jerusalem, Antioch, and Edessa, 
were the only places the Crusaders could master. 
Syria, and Palestine, where we now are, remained in 
the hands of the Fatirnites, a clan of Mahomrnedans j 
but Jerusalem was retaken by the Sultan of Egypt in 
1187 , and after more than a. hundred years’ fighting 
and struggling to get it back again, the armies of the 
Pope were finally driven away by the- Turks, who 
have kept it ever since.’ 

^ And now Charley,’ said Captain Ryan, ‘ these 
poor Turks have no Bible ; they know not God’s pro- 
mises to his dear people Israel, but consider that in 
holding possession of this fair land they do no more 
than keep what their fathers bravely won from men 
who pretend to be believers in the Holy Bible, and 
yet would as soon persecute a Jew to death for being 
a Jew, as they would a Turk for being a Turk. Do 
you wonder, my boy, that our feelings towards the 
poor Turks are different from those of the Romanists, 
who think it a mark of piety to hate them ?’ 

‘ I’ll tell you what, papa,’ cried Charley, almost 
rising out of his snug seat with the animation that 
fired kim. ‘ It was Popery itself taught me to hate 


212 


judah’s lion. 


the Turks. Whin I was little, you know I did be 
very fond of Judy O’Keefe, down the bogside, down 
there by’ — his father interrupted him. ^ I remember 
it well, Charley, though to be sure it must be a gieat 
while since you were little : she used to give you fresh 
eggs, and let you play with her young chickens. Well, 
what about Judy and the Turks V 

‘ Oh, Papa, sure I went and talked to Judy all 
about the Jews and the Holy City Jerusalem; and 
she said a pilgrimage to Jerusalem would save any 
soul ; and she said the bad wicked Turks had driven 
God’s people out of it, so as they couldn’t get in to 
make pilgrimages ; and, papa, I thought God’s peo- 
ple meant the Jews, and so I came to hate the Turks, 
so I did.’ 

‘ No, no, my boy, the Turks never drove the Jews 
out, though I don’t suppose they would be willing to 
let them in again : but if those whom poor J udy calls 
God’s people had possession of it, they would proba- 
bly put to death any son of Abraham who should 
dare to set foot in the city of his fathers — the city of 
his God.’ 

‘ This is the way we are all misled,’ observed Mrs. 
Ryan. ‘ Our youthful sympathies are enlisted on 
the side of the crusaders, and we receive from the 
elegant pages of Tasso, and from the glowing recitals 
of history as penned by, or copied from, the disciples 
of Rome, such impressions as steel our hearts against 
a people who might be found more accessible to 
the truths of the gospel than many, at a far greater 
distance, to whom we are constantly despatching 
Missionaries.’ 


JUDAH S LION. 


213 


^Ay,’ rejoined her husband, ‘and there are two 
points in the Turkish character that should yield us 
special encouragement ; first they show far more re- 
spect to the Jew than to the idolater who falsely bears 
the name of Christian ; and secondly, they not only 
honour the name and 'the law of Moses, but they do 
actually at this time look for the coming of our Mes- 
siah, after the lapse of a few years, and believe that 
he shall triumphantly reign in this very land, Jerusa- 
lem being the chief seat of his government. This I 
have repeatedly heard from their own lips.’ 

‘ And is it possible,’ asked Mrs. Ryan ; ‘ that these 
facts should be known, and yet no attempt made to 
improve such manifest advantages to the welfare of 
their immortal souls V 

‘ Popery, my dear. Popery has a terrible account to 
give in this matter ; but we too are very guilty.’ 

During this conversation. Da Costa had ridden on 
in perfect silence, after his involuntary interruption ; 
and there was that in his countenance which be- 
tokened a train of thought most absorbingly interest- 
ing. Fie seemed to be revolving in his mind some- 
thing that wholly possessed it, evidently arising out of 
what he heard. Alick, who had passed over as a 
merely mechanical process, such outlines of history as 
his school-education had required him to learn by rote, 
listened with intense eagerness to every word spoken ] 
and often did the proud glance turned towards the 
majestic mountain-summits of Judea, bespeak his 
heartfelt conviction that let Turk or Christian enjoy 
the transient occupation of that land, the true, the un- 
ahenable right to its possession was his. 


214 


Judah’s lion. 


Charley, on whose dimpled cheeks the crimson tint 
that usually came and went with every speech he ut- 
tered, had now established itself in two broad, well- 
defined and deepening spots of hectic character, was 
very talkative, and made several striking remarks : 
until Da Costa, suddenly roused from his reverie, 
encountered the anxious eye of Captain Ryan, and 
in the same adroit whisper as before, said, ^ Keep him 
quiet’ 

This was not easily done : Charley had taken a 
sudden interest in the Turks, as men whom he had 
wrongfully despised and disliked ; and in language 
rather incoherent, he was urging on Alick the duty of 
preaching Christ to them : a subject that seemed 
sadly to embarrass his friend. They had pursued 
their progress under a glowing sun, perpetually de- 
lighted by some new burst of scenery peculiar to the 
land, when a sudden darkness overcast the sky ; and 
long before they could reach even a place of tempo- 
rary shelter, the most penetrating rain descended, 
setting at nought their best attempts at repelling its 
soaking power. Captain Ryan bent over his precious 
boy, who was also covered with the folds of his light, 
waterproof cloak ; but the consideration that it was 
also air-proof, and therefore calculated to condense 
and detain, and most perniciously to return in cold 
damps the exhalations of a body so closely wrapped 
and inevitably overheated, distracted his mind. At 
times he thought of throwing all open, and exposing 
the child to the more genial rain of heaven ; but 
sleep had overcome the little fellow, and he dared not 
venture on such an experiment. Da Costa’s looks of 


Judah's lion. 


215 


anxious distress increased his uneasy feelings ; and 
secret prayer alone upheld his spirit iii an hour of no 
common trial, 

Alick, meanwhile, was devoting himself to the task 
of warding off from Mrs. Ryan the heavy torrents 
that fell. She was, like most of her countrywomen, a 
most excellent equestrian, and her easy self-possession 
was of great value. But the road here became rug- 
ged, the rain increased, the horses gave evident token 
of unwillingness to proceed, and their attendant 
owners closed in, protesting against any perseverance 
in the attempt to reach their destination, Ramleh, 
that night. Captain Ryan was disposed to acquiesce, 
under extreme solicitude for Charley, hut Da Costa 
knowing what unspeakably wretched quarters they 
must put up Muth at the proposed halt, strenuously 
resisted it. High words ensued, between him and the 
natives guides, the purport of which being known 
only to Captain Ryan, did not alarm him so much as 
the vehement oriental gesticulation of the parties 
startled his companions. At length the Syrian who 
had offended Charley, interposed, strongly urging a 
halt, and giving Captain Ryan in an under-tone such 
cogent reasons for it, founded on the very questionable 
character of his comrades, and accompanied with a 
promise of very early resuming the journey, that he 
deemed it better to acquiesce. 

They dismounted, therefore, at the spot selected by 
their guides, and a dreary place it was! four low 
rugged walls, surmounted by a flat roof that admitted 
the rain through a hundred fissures, without window 
or chimney, and for a door a shapeless slab of stone, 


216 


JUDAH S LION. 


formed the miserable dwelling into which the whole 
party, including the horses and their guides, pressed 
together; taking up their lodging to the best advan- 
tage they could on the slippery-fioor. It was then 
that the graces of hospitality shone forth in those lords 
of the soil who, like their father Abraham, possessed 
not so much of it as would yield support to the sole of 
their foot. The two Hebrew gentlemen at once, and 
in a way that defied all opposition, laid hands on 
whatever could conduce to the comfort of the lady 
and her child : the young Sj^rian horseman heartily 
seconded them ; and though not without some grum- 
bling, and looks by no means friendly, the others 
yielded their slight saddles and bags, and whatever 
was not saturated with the rain, to form a sort of 
couch, over which they spread a large rug, which Da 
Josta, better prepared for such a sudden change of 
weather and circumstances, had rolled up within an 
oil- skin covering. This being arranged, the next care 
was to provide somewhat of a table, on which they 
placed refreshments, such as could be produced on an 
emergency so unlooked-for. Da Costa, while press- 
ing on Mrs. Ryan a portion of the little store, said, ‘ I 
have no flocks, whence to select a kid, nor meal 
wherewith to form a cake ; but trust me, dear Ma- 
dam, when it shall please the Lord our God to restore 
to us the inheritance of our fathers, and to the land 
her rich fertility, the choicest of all we possess will be 
in our estimation a poor offering to the friends who 
have sheltered us in the hour of persecution, sympa- 
thized in our sorrows, and are now belonging to re 


jitdah's lion. 


217 


joice in the joy that will yet gladden the way-wom 
sons of Jacob.’ 

Before Mrs. Ryan could replyj an exclamation from 
Alick, who had just taken Charley on his lap, arrested 
her. The boy had been in a deep sleep for some 
time before their halt, nor had any of the movements 
that ensued broken his slumber. Now, however, he 
had opened his eyes, and their wild, bloodshot appear- 
ance, as he rolled them on surrounding objects, and 
dnally fixed their vacant stare on Alick’ s face, with- 
out any semblance of recognition, had surprised the 
youth into an interjection of alarm. Captain Ryan 
had gone to the farthi st end of the long narrow 
apartment, to make some enquiry of his Syrian friend, 
with whom he was mutn pleased ; but his wife’s 
distressed accents caught his ear, which Alick’ s voice 
had failed to attract, and he hastened back, to find 
her bending over the child, exclaiming in mingled 
terror and amazement, ^ Oh what is this ! What can 
have happened to my boy!’ 

‘Fatigue, damp, excitement,’ said Captain Ryan, 
as he took the little burning hand in his, ‘ have over- 
powered the poor babe. ‘ Charley, vein of my heart ! 
speak to papa, tell him what ails you.’ 

But Charley spoke not ; fever was on him to an 
extent that overpowered all consciousness, and when 
they laid a finger on his tiny wrist, the throb of the 
vein was fearful. 

The father’s heart, and the mother’s heart — who 
shall declare their secret writhings under the dread 
that wrung them ! but they were outwardly calm ; 
for the peace of those whose minds are stayed on the 

19 


218 


Judah’s lion. 


Lord was there. Alick^ on the contrary, was agitated 
beyond control : he clasped the poor child to his 
bosom, and wept over him, exclaiming, ‘ O Charley, 
Charley ! is this your welcome to the land of Israel f 

‘ Be quiet, Cohen,’ said Da Costa ; and then in a 
voice of the most marked solemnity, and with an 
emphasis so evident, that it sent dismay into the 
hearts of his hearers, he added, ^ This is not death. 

The parents looked up at him : he stood with 
folded arms, his eyes fixed on the child, his brow 
bent, his lips compressed, and feelings, the intensity 
of which was the more apparent from his usually 
dehghted aspect when gazing on that hoy, worked in 
his countenance. Christian zeal ever glows brighter 
when the Refiner heightens the furnace in which he 
purifies his silver ; Captain Ryan stood erect, and 
looking earnestly at his Jewish friend said, ‘ And if it 
be death, what is it but the gate of life to the babe — 
the little one who believes in Christ as his only, his 
all-sufficient Saviour?’ 

No notice was taken of this : Da Costa laid his 
hand on the broad little forehead, and said, ^ I know 
these symptoms well : he is delirious, and it may 
become more palpable ; but be calm, and avoid ex- 
citing him in any way. In our present circumstances, 
sleep is the only medicine within our reach. To- 
morrow we shall, by a comparatively short and easy 
journey, reach Ramleh — our ancient Ramah.’ 

It was now that, for the first time, Mrs. Ryan’s 
fortitude gave way ; she had taken away the boy in 
her arms, and her tears burst over his insensible form 
as she sobbed out, ^ Oh, not to Ramah I’ 


Judah’s lion. 


219 


^ Why not to Ramah V asked Da Costa : there is 
no nearer place on our route for what you require.’ 

Mrs. Ryan shook her head; her tears fell faster 
than ever over the little sufferer ; and Alick, drawing 
his friend aside, repeated to him in accents that 
trembled with epfiotion, , the words of the Prophet 
Jeremiah, “ A voice was heard in Ramah, lamenta- 
tion and bitter weeping ; Rachel weeping for her 
children, refused to be comforted for her children, 
because they were not.” 


CHAPTER XV. 


The first day’s journey^ leisurely as it had been, 
and abruptly terminated, brought our travellers ovei 
a much less space of ground than they had supposed , 
and its general character of tranquil beauty, fragrance, 
and unobstructed smoothness, ’would have ill pre- 
pared them for what was to follow ; but Da Costa 
forewarned them of the change that would take place 
soon after leaving Ramah, and urged their continuance 
at that station until the issue of the little boy’s illness 
should be known. Captain Ryan was disposed to 
acquiesce ; but his wife, though she offered no oppo- 
sition to their plans, evidently shrank from the ar- 
rangement ; and, while he almost marvelled at the 
unwonted weakness of a mind, the strength of which 
had often proved a support to his own, he could not 
press the point. He ended the conference by saying, 
‘ Let all these thoughts for the morrow be abandoned: 
to Ramleh we must necessarily proceed ; but our 
farther course may be left to the direction of a higher 
wisdom than ours. If I could see you composed to 
sleep, Ellen, it would lighten my present anxiety not 
a little : be persuaded to lie down, and leave the boy 
to us.’ 

‘ Do, dear Mrs. Ryan,’ said Alick ; ‘ I will promise, 
ay swear, not to take my eyes off his darling face 


JUDAH S LION. 


221 


^ou wake, if you will only get a little rest after all this 
trying work.’ 

‘ And 1/ said Da Costa, ‘ will hold his hand in 
mine ; and if even an unsatisfactory movement of 
the pulse takes place, you shall be roused. Trust 
him to us: or rather,’ he added in a voice unusually 
sweet and solemn, ^ leave him to the Watchman of 
Israel, who never slumbers; the Shepherd who car- 
ries the lambs in his bosom.’ 

She lifted her eyes to their faces, and exclaimed, 
kind, generous sons of Abraham, would that you 
were under the guardianship of that Watchman — 
gathered into the fold of that Shepherd !’ 

‘ So we are,’ replied Alick. 

‘ Not in the sense she means,’ remarked Da Costa 
‘ Christians apply the title differently from us : but 
apply them how you will, dear Madam, so that they 
relieve your mind from its present over-weight’ He 
then added, ‘ Believe me, you will need to have all 
your powers, bodily and mental, unimpaired to meet 
the difficulties that lie in our onward path.’ 

‘ I know it ; but I am not fatigued, nor drowsy, nor 
in any need of rest. I only want a cordial to refresh 
my spirit’ 

^ Well, give me your bible, Ryan,’ said the Jew, 
with unruffled countenance ; and opening at the book 
of Jeremiah, he proceeded: ‘ You seem to have some 
painful thoughts connected with this town of Ramleh, 
and I must claim the exercise of your sympathy in our 
destinies to remove those thoughts. Few passages 
are more pregnant with delightful hope than this:’ 
.ho then read, beginning with the verse that Ahck 
19 * 


222 


judah’s lion. 


had quoted, and proceeding without a pause, Thus 
saith the Lord, Refrain thy voice from weeping, and 
thine eyes from tears ; for thy work shall be rewarded, 
saith the Lord ; and they shall come again from the 
land of the enemy. And there is hope in thine end, 
saith the Lord, that thy children shall come again to 
their own border.” ‘ So, you see, the weeping of 
Rachel, however hitter, is not a hopeless weeping : 
the tribes, her scattered children, for whom she la- 
ments as though they were not, shall be gathered 
again : for listen, a little farther on the prophet says, 
Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel. 
As yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah, 
and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again the 
captivity. The Lord bless thee, O habitation of jus- 
tice and mountain of holiness. And there shall dwell 
in Judah itself, and in all the cities thereof together, 
husbandmen, and they that go forth with flocks : for 
I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished 
every sorrowful soul. Upon this 1 awaked and be- 
held, and my sleep was sweet unto me.” What pos- 
sible interpretation can you put upon this, to deprive 
it of its literal, obvious meaning 

‘None,’ answered Captain Ryan: ‘to Israel the 
promise undoubtedly belongs, and it breathes the rich 
strain of assurance to them as a nation, tt> deny oi 
explain away which I should deem a sacrilegious 
offence ; to you belongs the word of encouragement 
tell you that the Lord hath not finally cast off his 
people, nor forgotten that his covenant was made 
with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their seed for ever, 
and that it includes also the possession of this land, 


judah’s lion. 


223 

which He gave unto them But my dear friend, we 
poor Gentiles, believing that the Lord is nigh unto all 
that call upon him, without respect of persons, where 
spiritual blessings are concerned ; believing the 
word of your prophets also, who repeatedly testify 
of the participation promised to us in those ever- 
lasting mercies which pertain to a heavenly inheri- 
tance — we, too, find a word of comfort addressed 
to our souls in the passage you have been reading. 
The first part, the lamentation of Rachel for her 
children ’ — 

^ I know how you apply that,’ interrupted Da Costa. 

‘ The slaughter of infants in Bethlehem, by that san- 
guinary, usurping despot Herod is related with a quo- 
tation from it. Letting that pass, to what possible 
I use can you turn the rest.’ 

^ To me,’ said Mrs. Ryan, ^ it speaks of the resur- 
rection of the body, it comforts the weeping mother 
with the assured hope of a re-union with her lost 
! children in the day of that first, glorious resurrection, 

[ when all who are the Lord’s, shall rise to meet him 
|i at his coming.’ 

Da Costa had an answer ready : but he glanced at 
I the child, at the pale, anxious face of the fond mother, 
and feeling that he could not then combat her infer- 
ences, he closed the book, saying ^Well, my dear 
Madam, I rejoice that the cordial for which you 
wished has been supplied : in truth, it is large enough 
to admit of our sharing it’ He spoke smilingly, and 
from courtesy rather than conviction ; but Alick had 
I been struck, as though he had never before heard of 
such a thing, with the beautiful arrangement of God’s 


224 


Judah’s lion. 


word, by which both Jew and Gentile might appro- 
priate spiritually that which, in its primary literal 
sense belongs to the former ; and thence he was led 
to ponder the question whether such spiritual inter- 
pretation was not equally needful to both. ‘ This 
goodly land,’ thought he, ^ may be but the type of a 
better; and God’s faithfulness in reserving it to us 
may be the appointed pledge of his bringing us into 
his own kingdom at last. They say Moses was a 
type of Christ, and our sacrifices were types of his 
offering himself up for us. If so, how extensive the 
blessing! I don’t see but that a Jewish mother 
would take comfort in such a passage, so explained ; 
and it does not interfere with our national rights — 
but rather establishes them. I should like to under- 
stand all this !’ He remained in deep thought, and 
the light that gradually broke on his soul was most 
cheering. 

Meanwhile Captain Ryan called his friend aside 
and demanded of him his honest opinion respecting 
Charley. Da Costa, with some reluctance answered 
that, shortly before their arrival, he had witnessed 
some cases of a most severe fever among children, 
too often fatal, and which appeared to be also conta- 
gious ; that he had seen Charley in the Bazaar, stand- 
ing close beside a little Armenian boy, two of whose 
family had died of it, and who himself had but re- 
cently risen from the same bed of sickness : that he 
had snatched Charley away, and having every hope 
of his escaping any danger, he had refrained from 
alarming them by mentioning it, but had watched 
him most anxiously for a day or two. ‘ My mind was 


Judah’s lion. 


225 


then quite at ease,’ he concluded, ‘ until this day, 
when the symptoms that appeared struck me at once 
as being identical with those I have witnessed in 
Jaffa.’ 

‘ And how long does this disease usually last, pre- 
paratory to a fatal termination V 

^ I cannot speak with any certainty to that point ; I 
have seen it go on for a week ; I have seen it end 
sooner. But why talk of a fatal issue ? I cannot 
bear to anticipate that, how then can you V 

‘ By firmly believing, my dear Da Costa, that the 
good Shepherd, even Jesus, the Messiah of Israel, 
will carry this poor Gentile lamb in his tender bosom 
to the green pastures of his heavenly fold.’ 

Da Costa turned away, but not in unkindness. 
Ryan called him back ; ‘ Tell me, will his reason re- 
turn V 

^ Oh yes ; a little delirium at the outset, with occa- 
sional wanderings under the paroxysms of fever, is all 
that I have seen in these cases. His irritation con- 
cerning the Turks, and his hurried loquacity after- 
wards, gave me the alarm ; but remember I may be 
mistaken. I know just enough of medicine to make 
me nervous about those I love ; hardly enough to do 
them any good.’ 

^ At Ramleh, what quarters shall we find V 

^ None so suitable as the convent.’ 

‘ None that I would not sooner occupy !’ exclaimed 
Ryan. 

The lapse of a few troubled hours saw the caval- 
cade again ready : the weather had become more fa- 
vourable, and again they set out under a brightening 


226 


jrUDAH^S LION. 


sky, Charley being placed under an ample panier 
balanced by some articles belonging to the baggage 
and slung across the back of a stout mule, whose 
even, easy pace, had been remarked on the preceding 
day. The boy appeared perfectly conscious, but un- 
der some depression that deterred him from speaking. 
His father led the animal, walking beside him, and 
the two Hebrews alternately dismounted to steady 
the panier, while the other rode beside Mrs. Ryan. 

They had proceeded thus for a little way, when 
Charley spoke. ^ What a nice warm sunshine, and a 
sweet smell ! Where am I now V 

^ In the Holy Land, my boy,’ answered his father. 
‘ we are crossing the plains near Ramah, and vei'y 
rich is the fragrance of the glowing flowers that sur- 
round us, drawn forth by the sun’s rays after the rains 
of yesterday. It is a goodly land, Charles, and look- 
ing about me now I can call it the glory of all 
lands ; for if such it be in desolation and neglect, 
what would it be under the culture of its own tribes !’ 

‘ Papa, I should like to look about me ; but some- 
body has fastened my head down — I can’t lift it’ 

Da Costa, who kept out of his sight, but intently 
watched him, shrank back at hearing these words. 
His gesture was noticed by Captain Ryan, who felt 
its import 

The child remained silent and quiet ; the fever was 
abated, and a dreamy stillness seemed to hang about 
him, as he lay, smiling occasionally to himself in his 
narrow baskets. After a while, Alick assumed Da 
Costa’s post, and, unable to keep back as he had 
done, peeped into the panier. Charley was then 


Judah’s lion. 


227 


seemingly asleep, but in a few seconds he opened his 
eyes, though without appearing to take notice of any 
thing about him, and almost laughed. Alick bent his 
head lower, and in a soft whisper asked, ‘ Is my little 
darling comfortable V 

In a moment the boy’s look was turned on him ; it 
was bright but unsteady ; and he answered in the 
same low tone, ‘ Mr. Alick, you don’t know how'^ 
beautiful, how beautiful’ — there he paused. 

‘ Is it the land, Charley ? the fair land that God 
gave to my father Abraham ? but no, you can’t see it, 
lying down. Or is it the sunshine out bf that deep 
blue sky ? Oh, Charley, ’tis a glorious sky that God 
has spread over my own land. You can see that, 
dear V 

‘ Yes, but it is’nt that The beautiful things, Mr. 
Alick, are in my mind, somehow, but I don’t know 
where they come from.’ 

‘From God, Charley: or perhaps’ — he bent his 
face to the child’s and whispered as low as if he feared 
the sound of his own breath ‘ perhaps from Jesus 
Christ : He’s your God, you know ; but not mine, not 
exactly, not’ — 

Charley interrupted him, with the quick, abrupt 
speech peculiar to him when roused, ‘ If he’s any 
body’s God, then he’s every body’s God: he is your 
God, Mr. Alick, I tell you He is.’ 

‘ Hush, darling, hush ! Well, at any rate this is 
Palestine, this is the Holy Land.’ 

‘ And Jesus Christ is its King ; and he is the King 
of the Jews,’ said Charley 


228 


JUDAH^S LION. 


‘ You are sick now, my little love, and must not be 
contradicted.’ 

Yes, I may be contradicted, but God mustn’t be 
contradicted; and He says, ‘^Yet have I set my 
King upon my holy hill of Zion.” I tell you what, if 
you don’t kiss the Son, you’ll be broke in bits like a 
potter’s vessel.’ 

This was spoken so loud, the voice caught his mo- 
ther’s ear, and in a moment her horse was close on 
the heels of the steady old mule, and her neck eagerly 
stretched out, till Charley caught a glimpse of her 
face, and cried out, ‘ Mamma, my mind is full of 
beautiful things.’ 

Before she could well answer, he had relapsed into 
his slumbering state ; and Da Costa forbade any at- 
tempt to rouse him. Ahck walked on, silent, and 
more deeply than ever pondering the one thing that 
occupied his thoughts. Captain Ryan’s quick ear 
had caught all the dialogue except Ahck’s mysterious 
whisper ; and the purport of that was easy to ascer- 
tain from what preceded and followed it. His heart 
was wrung by the anticipation of losing this precious 
boy, but its language was, The will of the Lord be 
done !” and again he thought over the child’s ardent 
desire to be a Missionary to Israel : and rejoiced in 
its evident gratification. 

Thus they passed on, and before mid-day they had 
entered Ramah. The best accommodations to be 
found were pitiable, compared wdth their need ; but 
so long as little Charley could be undressed and 
placed in a snug bed, his friends were satisfied. He 
remained quiet, and Mrs. Ryan being also persuaded 


Judah’s lion. 


229 


to take some repose beside him, the three gentlemen 
sallied into the town, in quest of what there was little 
hope of obtaining — competent medical advice. To 
the Franciscan Convent they went, being told that a 
Doctor was there, a Frank ; but the monk who an- 
swered their call said he had left the place two days 
before ; having only been a transient guest ‘ He 
gave advice and medicine,’ added he ; but we saw it 
was only done to make way for his Bibles, which he 
scattered about, and gave us no little trouble in col- 
lecting them to’ — here he stopped, as if afraid of going 
too far. 

‘ To burn, I suppose,’ said Captain Ryan. 

‘ The books contained nothing that could concern 
us ; we live in a mixed population, each following his 
own way, according as he was brought up.’ 

‘ But if none of those ways should happen to be the 
right way, and a person comes to point it out to you 
all, it seems to me that instead of concerning nobody, 
it does, in an especial manner, concern every body.’ 

The monk’s brow contracted ; ‘ As to the right way,’ 
said he, ‘ we know very well there is but one, and that 
is the way the Catholic Church appoints.’ 

‘ I should rather say,’ remarked Captain Ryan, 
‘ that the Church instead of choosing her own way is 
bound to walk in that which God has marked out.’ 

But the monk had no talent, or no taste for contro- 
versy ; with the same unmoved look, and in the same 
monotonous tone, he repeated his former words, which 
were evidently spoken by rote. Ahck observed, ‘ If 
what your church says be true, it must agree with 
20 


230 


judah’s lion. 


what is in the Bihle, and therefore I don’t see why 
you should object to it.’ 

The monk lifted his sleepy eyes to the youth’s face, 
and again dropped them, muttering something that 
sounded like a repetition of his former words. 

Da Costa had been glancing round the room with 
an aspect of restless impatience and half-suppressed 
irritation ; he now spoke, and his voice rang through 
the little, low-roofed apartment with electrifying 
power. ‘We who are Jews, rejecting as we do the 
whole system of Christianity, appeal to the Scriptures 
as our warrant for such rejection. You, who have 
added to God’s word whatever you deem necessary to 
authenticate your creed, dare not, it seems, bring your 
religion to the touchstone of your own New Testa- 
ment. How is this?’ 

The monk stared with a mixture of angry astonish- 
ment and alarm, as Da Costa stood, proudly facing 
him, with such a look of undisguised scorn and de- 
fiance, that Captain Ryan was inclined to whisper a 
caution, but forbore. The word Jews had been so 
spoken as to reach the ears of some dosing members 
of the brotherhood in an adjoining room ; and faces 
were seen peeping with no very friendly expression, 
through the intervening doorway. Meanwhile the 
monk commenced crossing himself, and muttering 
prayers, after which he dipped his fingers into a bowl 
that stood near, and sprinkled the water between him- 
self and the intruder. 

‘ Exorcise as you may,’ resumed the Jew, ‘ you will 
not succeed in laying the troublesome spirit. Perse- 
cute as you can, bely, calumnate, torture and massacre 


Judah’s lion. 


231 


to the extent of your power, it will, not avail. The 
Jew, the hated Jew, will overmaster you yet ; here, 
on the land of his fathers, he will plant his foot ; and 
from sea to sea shall no place be found to shelter the 
desolating abomination that now defiles it.’ 

^ Are you not going too far?’ whispered Captain 
Ryan. 

^ No;’ he replied in English, • I am protected by 
an authority to which they must bow, or I should 
long since have followed the fate of one whom they 
sacrificed, not here, but in the mountains whence this 
goodly scion was transplanted ; and where, after this 
meeting with me he will speedily return. At this 
moment some infernal plot is ripening at Damascus, 
and he is cognizant of it’ 

By this time the superior had been summoned ; 
who approaching with more courtesy than might have 
been expected, asked their business at the convent. 
He was told ; and immediately said he would send a 
brother who was skilled in such cases, and who should 
be at their quarters nearly as soon as themselves. He 
then politely bade them farewell, and watched until 
they quitted the convent door. 

‘Now, forgive me, Ryan,’ said Da Costa, ‘for I 
certainly placed you in an unpleasant position ; but 
hear my tale, briefly told. You know the hateful 
charge brought against us by these lying monks, and 
entertained more or less throughout the various classes 
who usurp our land.’ 

‘ What charge ?’ asked Alick. 

Da Costa looked at him with surprise ; then said, 
speaking with bitter emphasis, ‘ The charge of blood,* 


232 


JUDAH S LION. 


they say that we, the seed of Abraham, knead our 
passover bread with Christian blood ; to procure which, 
we inveigle and murder them. That’s the charge, 
Cohen.’ 

^ And never since Satan began his career as the fa- 
ther of lies did he produce a lie more diabolical than 
that,’ exclaimed Captain Ryan, whose cheek burned 
with indignation and shame. ^ Never did his infernal 
craft invent a more detestable calumny, to stain alike 
the Jewish and the Christian name. Against you, 
the followers of Moses, he lays an accusation involving 
guilt so complicated that its very atrocity is almost in- 
conceivable ; and against us, the followers of Christ, 
he commits an almost equal outrage, by inciting its 
wretched propagators to call themselves Christians, 
as though we, who from the innermost recesses of our 
souls fling off all participation in the slanderous crime, 
were among its abettors.’ 

^ I know that very well,’ said Da Costa, warmly ; 
‘ but to proceed w’ith my explanation: I brought out 
with me some few years ago a young German friend 
and co-religionist of my own, as noble a fellow as 
ever breathed. We were strolling through the land, 
and reached among the mountains northward of the 
Holy City, one- of those nests of monkery which de- 
file our country far more than do the Mosques of the 
Moslem. The weather compelled us to rest here for 
a season, and we were treated civilly enough, until 
on declining to partake of some dainty in which the 
blood of the animal was distinctly named as a chief 
ingredient, they taxed us, ay, taxed us with being 
Israelites.’ 


Judah’s lion. 


233 


^ Had you tried to conceal it ?’ asked A lick. 

‘ Not we. Our aspect was warrant enough for our 
being of the race ; and no thought of disguise ever 
entered our heads. When the rude challenge was 
given, of being concealed Jews, we loudly and proudly 
avowed our lineage, and repudiated the idea of con- 
cealment. They then scoffed at our scruples, again 
pressing us to eat of the prohibited viand : and when 
we protested against being thought capable of such 
hypocrisy, they hurled in our teeth the infamous re- 
proach alluded, to.’ 

‘ And I hope you hurled your plate in theirs,’ said 
Alick. 

‘ Not exactly : but we were much exasperated, and 
I the altercation ran so high, that my companion, who 
was as well versed in your scriptures as in our own, just 
j drew them a picture of what they ought to be accord- 
I ing to those books ; and of what they are, as the most 
I flagrant idolators extant ; in language that the chief 
monk pretended to regard as betokening a disposition 
to do violence to some of their wooden or crockery 
gods ; and thrust us both, by dint of overpowering 
numbers, into a dark noisome place for the night. It 
would have fared ill with us ; but I gave them to 
know that any outrage perpetrated on us would be 
taken up at once by the English consul-general, whose 
word was, at that juncture, law with the Turk, and 
who would visit on their system the wrong done to his 
countrymen and friend. I menaced them on the score 
of false imprisonment also ; and we were set free, but 
dodged from mountain to plain, and never believing 
20 » 


234 


judah’s lion. 


we should regain our homes alive. Among the fra- 
ternity was that fellow whom we have just seen. 

‘ I should have told you that, in the heat of their 
revilings, they not only avowed but gloried in the 
persecutions and massacres of their church ; and de- 
clared the destruction of a Jew to be as acceptable in 
the sight of God as any religious service whatever: 
this they would afterwards have retracted, but we 
could not allow of it; and perhaps poor Wilhelm’s 
pertinacity on this point sealed his doom ; for ho 
vowed to publish it, on his return to Europe, as the 
declaration of men who claimed infallibility of judg- 
ment. Not long after this, we were obliged to sepa- 
rate for a short space, each accompanied by two or 
three Arab guides, whose hatred of the Franks seemed 
a fair preservative against treachery. I reached at 
the appointed time the place of rendezvous, but of 
Wilhelm or his conductors no trace could ever be 
gained, nor did I, from that time forward, detect a 
vestige of the dodging system that had been practised 
thitherto.’ 

‘But surely,’ said Alick, ‘You did not let the 
matter rest here ?’ 

‘ Did I ? At the head of a party of stout fellows, I 
ransacked their den from top to bottom, and left it 
standing only because there was a possibility that in 
some undiscoverable recess my poor friend might be 
secreted, and buried beneath the ruins. In this ex- 
ploit I did not so appear as to be recognized: an 
Arab Shiekh supplied what seemed to be a party of 
marauders, and I disguised myself, as I think, per- 
fectly : but when afterwards I related, confidentially, 


JTJDAH S LION. 


235 


this part of tlie business to the only individual through 
whom public justice could be obtained, he considered 
my proceeding as calculated, if discovered, to compro- 
mise the English interests in Syria ; and I know too 
well the value, to my own people, of the present high 
standing of Great Britain in the East, to do that. No, 
I am resolved never to relinquish the search till some 
due be obtained of Wilhelm ; hut having, somewhat 
too precipitately, taken justice into my own hands, I 
must follow it out at my proper hazard.’ 

They had now reached the dark, dungeon-like 
house where the sick child lay, and even the stirring 
interest of Da Costa’s story was lost in solicitude for 
him. They found him awake, and restless ; putting 
frequent questions to his Mother in a rambling but 
very earnest way ; while her looks told how deep was 
the trial, how submissive the spirit in which it was 
borne. 

When the gentlemen approached, Charley cried 
out, ‘ Papa, this is Ramah ; Rachel lived here ; but 
this is not Bethlehem, qnd the children were killed in 
Bethlehem.’ 

‘ And in all the coasts thereof,’ answered his father. 

^ Ah, I forgot the coasts : it’s all true, so it is : so it 
is,’ he murmured ; and Captain Ryan marvelled if his 
little one had been tempted to unbelief at such a 
moment, Charley soon resumed, ^ They were all Jew- 
babies. Papa, were they not V 

‘ No doubt, my dear boy; and you know that, like 
cruel Herod, cruel Pharaoh ordered all the Jew babes 
to be slain, at least, all the males.’ 


236 


jtjdah’s lion. 


‘Ah, but Moses escaped, and Jesus escaped; and 
he is the prophet like Moses, so he is.’ 

A short silence ensued, which was broken by the 
entrance of a monk, on whom Charley fixed his eyes, 
with wonder; the Hebrew friends drew back a little, 
to allow of his approach. He examined the child, 
put a few questions to Captain Ryan, and shook his 
head. 

‘ Are you a doctor V Charles asked. 

‘ There is no doctor, my love, in the place,’ said 
his Mother : ‘ this is a kind priest who comes to see 
you.’ 

‘ I want a doctor, but I don’t want a priest, I won’t 
have the priest,’ he added, loudly, as the recollection 
of some scene in Ireland came over his confused 
mind. 

The monk, who seemed a mild, compassionate 
man, touched by the child’s distressful tone, though 
he knew not the words spoken, drew nearer, and 
taking from the folds of his robe a small crucifix, held 
it before him. This excited Charley to a great pitch : 
his face became flushed, and he cried out in a more 
piercing tone, ‘ I won’t have it, that idol : Papa, take 
me away — Mr. Dockster, I say take aw^ay the idol.’ 

The Jew’s heart bounded to the appeal, and while 
Captain Ryan was courteously but earnestly explain- 
ing and justifying to the monk his little boy’s entreaty^ 
Da Costa advanced, intending by stooping over the 
child to interpose between him and the object of his 
distress: but it was needless; on his approach the 
monk hurried the symbol back into his bosom, and 
retreated. 


Judah’s lion. 


237 


This was a painful moment to the protesting Chris- 
tians: they felt that while only partaking in the Jew’s 
horror of idolatry they incurred the reproach of seem- 
ing to acquiesce in his unbelieving contempt of what 
that idol assumed to represent; a reality far, far 
dearer to them than their life-blood. But it is a small 
matter to he judged of man’s judgment, where we 
know that he who truly judgeth and shall judge is the 
Lord ; and condemned as they felt themselves to be 
of both the unbelieving Israelite and the Papist, both 
had their heart’s prayer, both their love : though it 
cannot but be that to them the true Christian’s affec- 
tion must ever most fondly turn, and over them must 
he yearn with the tenderest solicitude, who preserved 
for him, and gave to him the precious Bible, which 
alone enables him to detect all error, and to discern 
all truth. 

The monk shortly departed, and had at the door a 
short, low conversation vs^ith Captain Ryan, who re- 
turned with a saddened look, and folding his arms, 
stood gazing intently on his child. Charley, who had 
been quiet for some time, looked up in his face, and 
calmly asked him, ^ Papa, did that man say I am 
going to die V 

At once every eye was turned on the agitated 
father ; and scarcely less fearfully anxious was that of 
Alick than of the mother herself Da Costa’s mourn- 
ful expression bespoke his opinion already formed ; 
but he too looked, as if to catch at some gleam of 
hope. Captain Ryan strove to speak, and in a cheer- 
ful tone, but the effect was fruitless ; he uttered an 


238 Judah’s lion. 

incoherent word or two, and clasping his hands, 
walked away. 

The stillness of death prevailed for some moments, 
when he again approached the little couch, seemingly 
about to speak, but Charles prevented him, lifting up 
at once his meek eyes, and his little trembling hands, 
in a voice of the most touching, imploring entreaty, 
he said, ‘ Dear papa ! please, papa, oh, may I go and 
die at Jerusalem ? May I, papa, may I T 

‘ Y ou must not talk of dying, Charley,’ said Da 
Costa, who alone seemed able to speak. ‘ At present 
you are not well enough to be moved ; and you will 
be more likely to get well here.’ 

‘ Oh, don’t you say that, Mr. Dockster, and you a 
Jew, Sure, if I am to get better, it’s in Jerusalem I 
should thrive ; and if I’m going to die, oh, but I should 
like to die, and to be buried in Jerusalem itself!’ The 
last words were spoken with an animation approach- 
ing to gaiety ; but the sudden return of stupor put an 
end to the question, and Da Costa begged them, by 
all means to indulge any disposition to quietness. 

At nightfall the total want of every comfort for a 
sick room pressed more forcibly on their minds. 
Jerusalem was not so far off as to make the journey 
formidable ; but the road was bad, and accommoda- 
tions were uncertain. Da Costa could ensure them a 
welcome to a respectable house, if still tenanted as 
when he last visited the Holy City ; but this was 
doubtful. While the anxious discussion proceeded, 
Alick stole away into the adjoining room ; and creep- 
ing softly to the couch, listened to the breathings of 
his little friend, which were short and quick, and 


Judah’s lion. 


239 


unequal: he kneeled beside the bed, overwhelmed 
with anxious sorrow, and tried to pray, but his views 
seemed to have become more darkened and perplexed 
than ever, probably because he had carried his in- 
quiries farther and in a more observant spirit, while 
Da Costa, with the quickness for which he was re- 
markable, still explained away, according to the dic- 
tates of man’s wisdom, those truths which are only to 
■ he apprehended by simple faith. Charley’s breath 
soon assumed an articulate sound; and after some 
low murmurings, he distinctly repeated 

‘ The Cedars wave on Lebanon, 

But Judah’s stateUer maids are gone.’ 

I At the same time a moonbeam stole through the un- 
I glazed crevice that served as a window, upon the 
pillow, and shewed his eyes open : he turned them, 
[ and putting his hand to the face that bent over him, 

! and which was now moist with tears, he said, ‘ Dar- 
! ling Alick, I was thinking, or dreaming, or something, 
about how I saw you at sea, and how we talked, and 
I got fond of one another ; I love you very dearly, and 
so does Jesus Christ.’ 

‘ He loves you, Charley, you mean.’ 

‘ And he loves you, Mr. Alick, and Mr. Dockster, 
and all the Jews ; and all the Christians that believe 
in him ; only you don’t know it. Now I know it, and 
I do be so happy you can’t think : I dare say I’m 
going to die ; and if I did’nt know that Jesus has the 
key of heaven, and if I didn’t know that he loves me, 
how would I get in ? If he did not love me, he would 


240 


judah’s lion. 


not let me in ; and if I didn’t know he has the key, 1 
couldn’t ask him to let me in, you know.’ 

‘ Charley, every word you speak goes to my heart, 
but I wonder why you should think Jesus Christ loves 
the Jews, when they don’t care about him ; to say the 
least of it. And besides, if he does love us, what good 
will it do to us, since, as you say, we don’t know he 
has the key ; that means, the power.’ 

‘ Why there’s the very thing itself Mr. Alick.’ The 
trouble is, that you won’t ask him, when he is all 
ready to give you as soon as you do. Sure, if you 
asked him you would get your land back fast enough : 
but you won’t ask him, either for that or the kingdom 
of heaven, so you don’t get them.’ Alick sighed 
heavily : ‘I’d rather have the least corner in the 
kingdom of heaven, Charley, than even all this goodly 
land, my own land, the land of my father Abraham.’ 

‘ Have you asked him for it V said Charley. 

‘ I hardly know : I cannot frame my lips to address 
a prayer directly to him ; but if thoughts are heard, 
he has heard many a prayer from me ; for I am 
always thinking of him.’ 

‘ Think of him still,’ whispered Mrs. Ryan, who, 
concealed by the shade of the room had stood near, 
and heard the latter part of the conversation. ‘ Think 
of him, as the faithful and true God, keeing his cove- 
nant of mercy for ever. See how he smooths the bed 
of death, and gladdens the fleeting spirit of that infant 
believer ; and how he subdues the mother’s rebellious 
grief, and upholds the mother’s fainting heart, and 
speaks peace to his mourners ; a peace sweeter than 
all the joys of earth can give.’ 


Judah’s j^on. 


241 


^ Mamma, is that you?’ sari Charley. 

‘ It is, my darling.’ 

‘ Oh, mamma, please let me go to Jerusalem !’ 

^ My precious child, when I think of all the super- 
stition that has led people away from God to rest in 
the name, in the mere stones of Jerusalem, and other 
things that are accounted holy, I do fear lest my 
Charley’s mind may he at all drawn off from the 
Lord, hy this very great anxiety to reach the place 
where he taught and suffered.’ 

^ It isn’t that, mamma; but I love Jerusalem so! 
I don’t love it better than the heavenly Jerusalem, 
mamma, but I don’t like to stop here : 1 don’t like to 
die here.’ 

Mrs. Ryan’s inmost desire was to leave the place 
they were in, and she, too, connected many calming 
thoughts with the locality of Jerusalem. She there- 
fore promised not to oppose the journey : and as 
Charley was becoming drowsy again, Alick left her 
beside him. 

Instead of returning to his friends, he sauntered out 
into a pleasant grove of olive-trees, interspersed with 
a thousand bright flowers, that lay just outside the 
town. The moon was clear, and nothing could ex- 
ceed the beauty of the scene. The air, balmy and 
loaded with fragrance, came refreshingly to his aching 
brow; and when through a vista of trees, the hill- 
country of Judea broke on his sight, and all the most 
powerful feelings of his soul were called at once into 
play, he could have kneeled to ask, in the anxious en- 
quiry of a thoroughly awakened mind, whether Jesus 
of Nazareth was indeed the King of Israel 
21 


242 


judah’s lion. 


But it was not there that his douht was to he set' 
tied ; much remained for him to learn, and a sharper 
school must prepare him for it. As yet, his path had 
been smooth and easy, with no greater difficulty to 
encounter than the rising perplexities of his own 
mind. Very different scenes were before him, and 
dangers of which he little dreamed. 

The decision was taken to proceed, if circumstances 
admitted of their so doing ; and with many misgiv- 
ings, but still enabled to rest all his care on One well 
able to sustain it, the father placed his child in the 
conveyance provided, with every possible precaution 
against the consequence to be dreaded from so exceed- 
ingly rough a road : and escorted by a larger body of 
guards than before, under the direction of the friendly 
Armenian, they set forward towards the Holy City. 


CHAPTER XVI. 


Most loArely was the scenery through which our tra- 
vellers bent their way for a considerable time after 
leaving Ramah, and but for one circumstance, it would 
have been a season of rich enjoyment. Da Costa, 
while pointing out the ever-varying beauties that sur- 
rounded them, and expatiating on the unquestionable 
fertility of the soil, if but common justice in the way 
of tillage was done to it, seemed to lose the recollec- 
tion of his outcast condition. The land was his^ and 
he spoke of it as though, not only in retrospect and in 
prospect, but also in actual possession, it was his own. 
Every group of olives, every scattered oak was to him 
an object worth descanting on ; and his intimate 
knowledge of Scripture, which he quoted fluently, and 
so far as regarded the historical and geographical 
sense, with most correct application, rendered his dis- 
course alike interesting and instructive. ‘You are 
aware,’ said he, ‘ that it is the fashion among those 
who profess to understand our Scriptures better than 
we do ourselves, either to explain away by some 
shadowy interpretation what is declared of the natural 
fertility of this good land, or else assert that God has 
smitten it by an irreversible decree of barrenness, so 
that it shall never recover its former fruitfulness. Ac- 
jording to them, the soil and its inheritors are ^fike 


244 


JUDAH^S LION. 


shut out from the life-giving favour of the Almighty : 
their former distinction existing but in name ; or rather 
indeed, as they would make out, rendered more con- 
spicuous by the very marked reverse of all that they 
once were. It may he so, as regards the race of 
Israel : it may be,’ he added, with a proud and scorn- 
ful smile, as he encouraged his fiery steed to prance, 
and show forth his own and his rider’s stateliness, ‘ it 
may he that we are all a race of abject, spirit-broken 
slaves; that among us is no intellect, no wealth, no 
enterprise, no worldly wisdom or spiritual knowledge : 
it may be that every man’s foot is still on our neck, 
and that Israel is yet trodden down as the mire of the 
streets — but look at yonder patch of corn; narrow 
though the field be, how rich, how abundant is its pro- 
duce ! See that magnificent palm, rearing its tufted 
head on high, while the brown olive boughs beneath 
it are bending with the weight of ripening fruit ; and 
see to the left what a carpet of gorgeous flowers is 
spread out, springing in pure wanton defiance of hu- 
man culture from the recesses of this neglected soil — 
I tell you this country shall again bloom as Eden, 
when once its own sons have it under their fostering 
hands.’ 

‘ And I tell you,’ answered Ryan, ‘ that they too, 
the seed of Jacob, shall again blossom and hud, and 
fill the face of the world with fruit.’ 

^ And you very well know,’ said Mrs. Ryan, ‘ that 
your description of what Israel, through grinding op- 
pression, and fearful persecution, has been in Europe, 
no longer exists. The Lord hath begun to take away 
the reproach of his people : the wealth that formerly 


245 


tudah’s lion. 

was wrung from them by inhuman tortures, is now 
borrowed by states and rulers, on terms most advan- 
tageous to the lenders, affording them an interest in, 
and an influence over the destinies of empires. In 
art, in science, in literature, the Hebrew continually 
stands before us, successfully competing the highest 
prizes of emolument and fame. Y our position now 
is, in reference to Ezekiefs vision, not that of separated 
bones, scattered black and bare, and very dry through- 
out the valley, but of bones re-united, and rapidly re- 
ceiving their covering of flesh and sinew, preparatory 
to the reception of perfect, glowing life.’ 

‘And that once received,’ added Captain Ryan, 
‘ you will rise up an exceeding great army, against 
whom no people shall be able to stand ; for the Lord 
your God will be with you, and the shout of a king be 
among you.’ 

Da Costa smiled kindly: ‘I believe we are well 
agreed as to the end, however we may differ concern- 
ing the means of its attainment’ 

During this time, Alick never once spoke, nor did 
his attention appear for a moment diverted from the 
little carriage in which Charley was slung, by a con- 
trivance of his, more independent of the motions of 
the mule than before. That child had been to him 
in an especial manner the bearer of glad tidings if he 
would receive them as such ; and he felt as if to lose 
him would be a disjunction from the good that he 
was secretly longing to grasp. Incessantly was he 
gazing into the little litter, through the aperture that 
for ventilation was left in its curtain ; and often did 
the dull, heavy cast of a countenance ever bright with 
21 * 


246 


JUDAH S LION. 


restless animation, excite a fear lest the last smile haa 
passed away. The short dialogue just recorded hacj 
allowed him a more protracted contemplation of that 
sunken face than he had before enjoyed : and when 
Captain Ryan again addressed him, tears had gathered 
in his eyes. 

‘ Dear Cohen ! this trial falls heavily on you. To 
us it is indeed a heart-piercing stroke ; but we have a 
consolation, the strength and sweetness of which how 
gladly would we share with you !’ 

^ It is my greatest comfort, sir, to see you and hi§ 
dear mother so supported.’ 

‘ We need a divine support, indeed, for, even were 
he not as he is, our only one, the sole survivor of the 
five over whose early graves we have been taught 
submission to the will of the Lord, still there is that 
in his character which makes our hearts cleave to him 
with a fondness no words can pourtray. But thanks 
be to the Giver of all good gifts, what most endears 
him to us now, will prove the best source of consola- 
tion under the bereavement which I feel but too sure 
awaits us.’ 

^ I never loved any living thing half so well,’ said 
Alick, struggling with his grief: but no wonder, for 
who even among mature men loves my people as that 
babe does?’ 

‘ It is really marvellous. You know, Cohen, I have 
for some years been much devoted to the cause ; and 
Charles has heard a good deal on the subject at home : 
but there seemed to be a sort of preparedness in his 
young heart to receive the promise of God’s gracious 
purposes towards Israel with a fulness and a gladness 


Judah’s lion. 


247 


that I never saw equalled. Child as he is in temper, 
in manners, in language, on all other points, he is 
there the enthusiastic man ; and I cannot tell you 
what a gloom steals over my spirit while thus con- 
ducting him, insensibly I may almost say, through the 
land he so ardently longed to visit. It is teaching me 
a sad, but I hope a profitable lesson, of my own de- 
ficiency in single-eyed devotion.’ 

They continued for some miles to pass over a coun- 
try of smiling plains ; but at length the ascent began, 
the road narrowed, and became extremely rugged, 
while before them, with occasional intermixture of a 
verdant and cultivated spot, rose piles of frowning 
rocks, and towering mountains, which gradually closed 
in upon them, until their path became a narrow, rug- 
ged, steep defile, where two could not without diffi- 
culty pass abreast ; and where the motion was such 
that, with all the anxious care of his tender guardians, 
poor little Charley was rocked in his rough cradle with 
a rudeness that completely dissipated his heavy slum- 
ber, and drew forth exclamations of surprise, if not of 
suffering. He fancied himself on board ship, and 
talked of a storm. 

‘ We are not at sea, darling,’ said Alick, ^but tra- 
velling through the mountain-passes of Judea, on the 
way to Jerusalem.’ 

At that word the hoy lifted up his head, and ex- 
claimed, ‘ Let me look at Jerusalem !’ 

^ You shall when we come within sight of it,’ an- 
swered his father ; but some hours must elapse before 
then. Lie still, Charley, and I will tell you when we 
approach the holy city.’ 


248 


JUDAH S LION. 


^ I woiLd rather talk, papa. Is this Mount Leba- 
non, or is it the Mount of Olives, or Mount Zion, or 
what is it V 

‘ Lebanon,’ answered Da Costa, ‘ is at some distance 
from this place ; the Mount of Olives is over against 
Jerusalem ; and on Mount Zion the city of David 
itself was built.’ 

‘ Ah, I forget, but my head is very foolish, somehow. 
What mountain is it, Mr. Dockster ? Is there any- 
thing about it in the Bible V 

‘ I do not remember that there is ; but we shall 
soon see a place about which you have surely heard 
much j the plain where young David fought Goliath, 
and destroyed him. The armies, you know, were 
drawn up opposite to each other, Saul and the Israel- 
ites on one side, on the other the Philistines; and 
Goliath came down into the plain every day to threaten 
and taunt them.’ 

‘ And David choose some pebbles out of the brook,’ 
said Charles, ‘ and he put them in his shepherd’s sling, 
and slung them, and hit the giant in the forehead, 
and killed him, and took his own sword, and cut off 
his head with it.’ 

‘ Exactly so ; presently I will shew you the brook 
where David got the pebbles,, and the place where 
the giant fell.’ 

‘ The Philistines were bad people,’ observed 
Charles: ‘ they were always persecuting the Jews.’ 

‘ Only when they sinned ; when they repented, the 
Lord always raised up some deliverer whom they fol 
lowed, and under whose command they all put their 
enemies to the rout — as they shall do again. 


JUDAH S LION. 


249 


‘ Yes answered Charley, with great energy, ^ when 
they repent again, and when they follow'Jesus Christ, 
so they shall.’ 

To this, of course, no reply was given ; and after a 
moment’s pause, Charley raised his head higher, and 
asked in a shrill tone, ^ Why don’t you believe, why 
won’t you believe in Jesus Christ'?’ 

Da Costa was still silent ; but Charley became 
more urgent : ^ Mr. Dockster, I say, why won’t you 
believe ‘ ■ , 

‘ Suppose,’ said the Jew, ^ I was to ask you why 
do you believe ? but hush dear 'babe,’ he added, see- 
ing him about to reply, ^ you will* exhaust all your 
little strength, at this rate.’ 

‘ It doesn’t tire me at all, at all,’ said Charley, ^ it 
does me good ; and I’ll tell you why 'I believe — be- 
cause I know he loves me.’ 

^ You mean that he loves you because you believe,’ 
said Alick: ‘ 

^No! I don’t. He loved me before I believed, 
and because he loved me, ‘he made me believe ; and 
because he loves me he- will take me to heaven, now, 
or very' soon.’ 

^ Y ou will be more likely to live if you think less 
of dying, my dear boy,’ said Da Costa; ‘see,’ he ad- 
ded, as a lovely animal, bounding along the mountain- 
side, paused, and peered down upon them, quite in 
Charley’s view, ‘ see that merry little creature. I 
hope you will be like it again, ere long.’ 

‘ What a pretty goat !’ said the boy. 

‘ It is not a goat, but a Gazelle, or Antelope, a far 
more elegant creature.’ Charley’s countenance sud- 


250 


JUDAH S LION. 


denly lighted up ; he exclaimed, ^ The wild Gazelle ! 
Papa, the wild Gazelle ! Oh, say it for me His 
father complied, and recited the lines with such feel- 
ing that Alick, who from anxiety and internal conflict 
was become doubly sensitive, could scarcely master 
his emotion. They were now on the point of emerg- 
ing from that close, narrow defile ; a lovely vale lay 
before them, while the mountains, forming a vast am- 
phitheatre, swept round and rose in beautiful undula- 
tions, height above height, the stern rough stone, in 
abrupt ridges, marking the natural terraces that 
formed the ascent, of which it was the protecting 
wall. Trees of stately growth, shrubs of delicious 
fragrance, and the richest profusion of wild-flowers, 
adorned this landscape, and still the frolicksome Ga- 
zelle would leap from one ledge to another, while the 
flock of mountain-goats more quietly browsed on the 
pastures of the valley below. 

^ Ay,’ said Da Costa, sighing, as he surveyed the 
magnificent prospect, ^ those lines, coming as they did 
too from the head of a man who had no heart, express 
what volumes would fail in conveying : — 

‘ More blest each pine that shades these plains 
Than Israel’s scattered race ; 

For, taking root, it here remains 
In solitary grace. 

It will not leave its place of birth, 

It cannot live in other earth : 

But we must wander witheringly.’ 

That is the very word— witheringly } the same in 
substance ; in form, in name, in nature unchanged, 
but all freshness and beauty dried up, bearing no 


Judah’s lion. 


251 


fruit, incapable of farther growth, and subsisting as a 
monument of what we were, ere rudely plucked up 
from our own rich soil, to become the scorn of inferior 
plants, yet waving gay and green because they were 
never expatriated.’ 

Charley, meanwhile, was murmuring to himself the 
I closing lines, 

1 Our Temple hath not left a stone, 

i And mockery sits on Salem’s throne, 

‘Well, I shall see where Solomon’s temple stood, 
and the other temple that Nehemiah made : and I 
shall see the Mount of Olives where the Lord Jesus 
I stood when he wept over Jerusalem ; and he stood 
, there when he was just going up into heaven; and 
he will S'tand there when he comes again to split the 
mountain in two : I know that.’ 

‘ What does he mean V whispered Da Costa, who 
had caught the last words ; and Alick, who seemed 
restlessly anxious to hear Charley talk, repeated to 
him the question. 

‘ I mean,’ replied the child, ‘ when the Lord comes 
to reign, his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives. 
The Bible says so.’ 

‘ How wonderfully conversant he is in our scrip- 
tures!’ remarked Da Costa. 

‘ Y es,’ says Mrs. Ryan, ‘ he knows them surprisingly 
for a child of his age : but you see all his knowledge 
resolves itself into one thing — love for the Saviour.’ 

Again the mountains enclosed them so straitly that 
they were obliged to proceed in single file, and each 
was left to his own meditations. Alick’ s were inex- 


252 


judah’s lion. 


pressibly painful ; lie felt altogether alone in the 
world, anticipating the speedy dissolution of his little 
companion. He seemed to occupy a position debar 
ring him from fellowship with any class of persons. 
More than ever a Jew, he had received so much of 
Christian doctrine as made it a matter of serious dis- 
tress to witness, or rather to know the settled abhor- 
rence of his Hebrew companion, and of all his race, 
against Him of whom he was almost convinced that 
Moses in the law, and the prophets did write * yet the 
influence of Da Costa over his feelings was consider- 
able, and it operated in rendering him ill at ease 
when listening to Captain Ryan. He felt that he 
was watched, and almost suspected ; and while his 
naturally open and fearless character rendered it most 
painful to be supposed capable of concealing his real 
sentiments, he felt that, so far as he had gone in 
admitting disputed points, he could not sustain an 
argument in their defence, and would not wrong the 
truth by sanctioning an enemy’s supposition that it was 
indefensible by sound argument. He wished himself 
in Charley’s situation, if the same faith and hope 
were given to sustain him in it ; but without these, 
death was a subject from which he shrank affrighted. 
His favourite project of studying the Bible with Da 
Costa had not yet been carried into effect; and 
among men there seemed no sympathy for him. But, 
when he turned his eye upon the hills that rose 
around him, there was indeed a fellowship unspeak- 
able in that strange, solemn, solitary landscape, beau- 
tiful in its desolate grandeur, and oh, how rich in its 
sacred associations ! ‘ Here,’ thought he, ‘ my fathers 


Judah’s lion. 


253 


dwelt beneath the immediate guardianship of the 
Mighty One : they were not left to grope among com 
dieting opinions, all pressed on them with the confi- 
ience that belongs to truth alone ; but they were 
taught and led by men whose sacred commission was 
sealed and ratified by daily signs from heaven. Then, 
all these rocky terraces were covered with rich soil, 
mantled by the vine, and perpetually trodden by the 
feet of the rejoicing husbandman, whose temporal and 
spiritual wants were alike supplied by the great King 
of Israel. Here, angels communed with men, and 
visions from heaven illumined the minds of our seers, 
and the echoes that now faintly give back the tramp 
of our horses along this stony road, rang with the 
reverberated song of gladness and praise. O land 
most beloved! why, why are you forsaken, trodden 
down, and changed into a wilderness? why are your 
sons wandere-rs among the Gentiles, their minds so 
darkened, their hearts so alienated that they are 
content to be outcasts from you? Would that one of 
the heavenly messengers who came to my fathers, to 
Gideon, to Manoah, to Daniel and the prophetSy 
would also come to me and explain what now per- 
plexes me. Do they not wander here still, though 
concealed from our eyes? Is this good and pleasant 
land forsaken of all its celestial friends ?’ 

He continued thus, in silent bitterness of spirit, to 
meditate on his own and his country’s doom : Captain 
Ryan marked it all, and was fully resolved to speak 
out with unreserved faithfulness so soon as opportu- 
nity was afforded ; but the way became more rough 
and difficult, more trying to poor little Charley, and 
22 


254 


JUDAH S LION. 


overpowering to his mother. The guides had com 
menced wrangling, and despite the earnest efforts oi 
the Armenian, their angry voices often broke wdth 
alarming effect, on the travellers’ ears. The day wap 
drawing on, and fatigue began to manifest itself 
painfully in the looks of the little sufferer, who was 
evidently quite awake and sensible, when suddenly a 
loud voice from the van proclaimed that in a few 
minutes the Holy City would be within view. 

The movement occasioned by this announcement 
did not escape Charley ; he asked the cause, and 
being told — for his parents never deceived him in any 
matter, — he cried out, ‘ Now, Papa! now take me 
upon your horse I’ 

Captain Ryan looked alarmed ; and whispered to 
Da Costa, ‘ impossible !’ 

But Charley again called out, ‘ Papa ! you prom- 
ised.’ 

Again Captain Ryan looked at his friend, who 
said, after calling for a halt, ‘ You cannot do it with 
safety, but I can. My horse’s pace is very easy and 
smooth ; he know^s every foot of this particular road ; 
I feel it is asking a good deal to ask you to give up to 
me so precious a charge ; but I will be most careful, 
indeed I will : he must not be agitated by a denial ; 
and I wish so much to have the privilege, for I love 
that boy dearly, dearly I — And this is Jerusalem — and 
I am a Jew.’ 

Captain Ryan had never seen this accomplished 
man of the world so agitated by unrestrained emotion : 
he felt it, and taking Charley out of his little crib, 
without a word spoken, he folded a shawl about him, 


JUDAH'S LION. 


255 


And placed him m the arms of Da Costa, whose 
look of gratitude and delight overpaid even that 
sacrifice. 

^ Have I done right, love?’ whispered the father, 
f as he turned a glistening eye on his wife, by whose 
side he again stationed himself 
I ‘ Always, always right, my beloved!’ she answered, 
* and in this instance my heart especially goes along 
' with yours. I cannot tell you how stilled I feel just 
now: murmuring seems hushed, self almost annihi- 
lated. Can it be that we are indeed about to look 
upon the city of our God — the very scene of his suf- 
ferings, who by those sufferings ransomed us from the 
power of the grave ? Who has by those sufferings 
I opened the gate of heaven, and now stands ready 
I to receive the happy spirit of that ’ — she could not 
j proceed. 

1 ‘ It is even so,’ replied her husband : ^ and oh, let 

I aU selfish emotions be swallowed up in the glorious 
prospect of Zion’s welcome to her returning King.’ 

Meanwhile, Charley was placed most carefully and 
ten-derly by Da Costa almost within the folds of his 
robe, which he loosoned for the purpose, the little 
boy’s head nestled on his bosom, with the face literally 
set Zionward ; and so cradled in the arms of his 
friend as to be almost independent of the saddle’s 
support. He was exceedingly weak, like an infant, 
but just then quite free from fever, though breathless 
with eager expectation. Da Costa kissed his damp 
forehead, and asked if he were comfortable. Charley 
raised his eyes : he evidently did not till that moment 
\now who held him, and fixing on him a look full of 


256 


JUDAH'S LION. 


love and gladness, replied by ejaculating, ^ you darlin. 
of a Jew !’ 

But where was Alick? Some paces removed from 
the rest, absorbed in thoughts and feelings that ren- 
dered all which passed around him a mere dream. 
Every object within his view seemed gifted with a 
voice to address him in language at once tender, up- 
braiding, and encouraging. He could not disconnect 
from them the idea of Him whom he was at one mo- 
ment disposed to worship as the incarnate God, at 
another to shun as tempting him into idolatrous sin. 
He breathed, in a low voice, the irreversible declara- 
tion of the Most High, so dearly cherished by his 
people, “ Hear, O Israel ! the Lord thy God is a 
Unity and again he seemed to hear Jesus of Naza- 
reth responding “ I and my Father are One.” When 
the rest halted, he did the same, mechanically ; and 
when the word was again given to move on, he also 
obeyed ; but in the intenseness of that internal strug- 
gle, even Charley’s transfer was unnoticed. 

Slowly, and in deep silence, the party now began 
to ascend a rise in the road ; and after proceeding for 
some time on level ground, the guides uttered in diffe- 
rent languages the same name, and turning their 
horses aside, allowed the travellers to advance. 
There, stretched in long, unequal line, rose in the dis 
tance before them the solid wall of the city ; with here 
and there a round dome peering above its stern out- 
line, or a slender minaret upraising its more light and 
lofty form. There was no moving thing at that mo- 
ment within view : they might have been the only 
breathing creatures on earth’s surface for aught they 


Judah's lion. 


257 


tould see or hear of animated life ; and this, joined 
with the tomb-like aspect of the spot before them, 
added greatly to the solemnity of the moment. Cap- 
tain Ryan impulsively uncovered his head ; his wife, 
placing her hand on his arm, leaned tremblingly, and 
burst into tears. Alick, wholly incapable of longer 
control, dismounted, and pressed his lips to the ground ; 
while Da Costa, after casting towards him one look 
of sympathy, raised little Charley’s hand in his, and 
pointed it towards the holy city, at the same time al- 
most dreading that the excitement might extinguish 
the feeble remains of life in his little frame. 

But it was far otherwise : no sooner had the boy’s 
eye caught the precious object, than he passed as it 
were into a new state of existence. He cried out : 

Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is 
Mount Zion,' the city of the living God !” Then clap- 
ping his hands, he shouted, ^Jerusalern! Jerusalem! 
I see Jerusalem. Papa, mamma, there’s Jerusalem ; 
don’t you see Jerusalem? Oh, now say the verses, 
Papa, do, do I The glorious day.” 

Captain Ryan was instantly by his side, and catch- 
ing the flash of the child’s enthusiasm, he repeated/ 
with all the ardour of a thoroughly-excited Irishman 
those beautiful lines, 

^ But who shall see the glorious day, 

"Vyhen, throned on Zion’s brow, 

The Lord shall rend that veil away 
Which blinds the nations now ? 

When earth no more beneath the fear 
Of his rebuke shall lie ; 

\ When pain shall cease, and every tcAr 

Be wiped from ev’ry eye 1 


258 


judah's lion. 


Then, Judah ! thou no more shall mourn 
Beneath the heathen’s chain. 

Thy days of splendour shall return, 

And all be new again : 

The fount of life shall then be quaffed 
In peace by all who come, 

And every wind that blows shall waft 
Some long-lost exile home ! 

Da Costa listened to these lines ; thei? raising high 
his arm, he uttered a prayer of monthly s>bservance in 
the synagogue, and his voice sounded far over the 
rocky plain on which they had halted : 

Comfort, O Lord our God ! the mourners of 
Zion, and the mourners of Jerusalem, the city that 
mourns, which also lays waste and is destroyed ; re- 
proached and desolate : who mourns for the sake of 
her children, that is solitary for her inhabitants, robbed 
of her honour, desolate without the inhabitants of her 
dwellers ; with her head ashamed, like unto a barren 
woman that beareth not. She is overwhelmed with 
sorrow, because her inheritors are worshippers of 
images, who smote thy people Israel with the sword, 
and slew wilfully the saints of the Most High. There- 
fore Zion with bitterness weepeth, and Jerusalem lift- 
eth up her voice. O, my heart! my heart grieveth 
for those that were slain ; O, my bowels, my bowels, 
for those that were killed ; for- thou, O Lord, with fire 
hast consumed it, and with fire thou wilt again re 
build it : as it is written. For I, saith the Lord, will be 
to her a wall of fire round about it, and will be the 
glory in the midst of her. Blessed art thou, O Lord! 
the Comforter of Zion, and the Builder of Jerusalem!” 
Alick, who had risen and stood to join in this prayer, 


Judah's lion. 


259 


now loudly and fervently ejaculated with him the re- 
sponse : — 

‘•Blessed art thou, O Lord; who rebuildest Jeru- 
salem !”* 

They went on their way, and they went with songs 
of praise and of supplication, for Captain Ryan joined 
the two Hebrews in chaunting, in their own sublime 
language, some of the Psalms so dear to them, con- 
stantly used in the Sabbath service, from the 95th to 
the 100th. And then, as they approached closer to 
the walls. Da Costa and Alick burst forth again into 
another of their sacred ch aunts. 

“ O thou sanctuary of the King ! O Royal City ! 
Arise, and come forth from thy subversion ; thou hast 
dwelt long enough in the abode of calamity, for he 
will now pity thee with kindness. Come, my be- 
loved, to meet the bride. 

“ Shake off the dust, arise, O rny people ! and 
adorn thyself with thy beautiful attire ; for by the 
hand of Jesse the Bethlehemite redemption draweth 
nigh to my soul. Come, my beloved, to meet the 
bride. 

“ Rouse thyself; rouse thyself ; Arise, shine, for 
thy light is come. Awake, awake, utter a song ; for 
the glory of the Lord is revealed upon thee. Come 
my beloved, to meet the bride. 

“ Be not ashamed, neither be thou confounded. 
O Jerusalem, why art thou cast down? why art thou 
disquieted ? In thee the poor of my people shall 
take refuge, and the city shall be built on her own 
heap. Come, my beloved, to meet the bride. 

* Daily Prayers of the German and Polish Jews, p. 33. 


260 


JUDAH\S LION. 


They who spoil thee shall become a spoil ; and 
they that swallow thee up shall be removed far 
away ; thy God will rejoice in thee as the bridegroom 
rejoiceth in the bride. Come, my beloved, to meet 
the bride. 

“On the right and on the left wilt thou be ex- 
tended, and the Eternal wilt thou revere ; through 
the means of a man, the descendant of Pharez, will 
we rejoice and be glad. Come, my beloved, to meet 
the bride. 

“ O come in peace, thou crown of thy Husband ; 
also with joy and mirth, in the midst of the faithful 
and beloved people. Enter O bride. Enter O bride I 
Come, my beloved, to meet the bride.”* 

Deep was the heart-breathed melody of the two 
voices that with rapid, yet most clear and emphatic 
utterance chaunted forth these glowing aspirations, 
their countenances lighted up by the lofty theme, 
and the beloved City full before them. In heart and 
soul, though not audibly, their Gentile friends accom- 
panied the song ; and even Charley was able to do 
so ; for he had many and many a time read it to his 
mamma in English, and she to him in Hebrew. As 
the last rich tone died away, they were close to the 
walls of the city ; and at that moment appeared on the 
platform of a lofty minaret, a Muezzim, who pro- 
claimed in the usual loud voice of his office, “ There is 
but one God, and Mahomet is his prophet.” The 
words were Arabic : with what a sickening effect they 
fell on the ears of those travellers may be imagined. 
The colour mounted high in Captain Ryan’s face. 

* Daily Prayers of the German and Polish Jews, p. 58. 


JUDAH S LION. 


261 


while Da Costa’s became livid ; and his countenance 
assumed an expression of which it had scarcely seemed 
capable before. The ghastly blue of his lips as they 
parted upon his clenched teeth, the fierce scowl that 
overhung his upturned eye, were absolutely terrific ; 
but this was momentary, and it gave place to an ex- 
l! pression of the bitterest sorrow. Alick’s look, on the 
contrary, was one of such undisguised menace that it 
alarmed the Armenian, who rode near him, and in- 
duced a whisper of caution, which would have been 
I little heeded, had not Captain Ryan enforced it for 
Charley’s sake. The boy had never withdrawn his 
gaze from the city walls, except to turn it for a mo- 
ment on his friend, who possessed in an eminent de- 

I , gree that general gift of his people, a rich melodious 
' voice. They were now close to the gate, and with 
wondering awe-struck eye the child looked up to the 
I summit of the square tower of which it forms a part. 

I The imposing effect of those stern-looking walls and 
' embattled turrets seemed to overcome not only him 
but his mother ; and Alick, as he proudly measured 
with his eye the height of the barriers, seemed to for- 
get the preceding moment’s annoyance. He was not 
prepared to see in his desolate Zion such massive for- 
tifications, so many munitions of war. His imagina 
tion had rather pictured the half-built wall on which, 
in the derisive language of Nehemiah’s opposers, if a 
fox but went up, he should break it down ; those mar- 
' tial ramparts, as they towered high above his head, 
awoke within his bosom a response characteristic of 
the naturally impetuous and fiery youth. That innate 
sense of actual right and proprietorship with which 


262 


JUDAH S LION. 


the Jew looks upon every stone, not only of the city 
but of the whole land, filled his mind ; and the feel- 
ing was as though he were about to demand from the 
paynim usurper a surrender of that to which he him- 
self could advance an indisputable title ; and to com- 
pel the other Gentile strangers, — in practice farther 
removed from scriptural customs than the Moslem 
Aimself, though professing to hold the only true faith 
— to evacuate that hallowed spot, doubly polluted by 
their idolatries. 


CHAPTER XVn. 


Who shall describe the feelings of Alick Cohen 
when he found himself actually entering the city of 
Jerusalem ! Their path lay near the citadel, which 
rises, a cluster of stately towers, a little to the right ; 
and in wonder he raised his eyes to the mighty pro- 
portions of that tower of Hippicus which dates from 
the days of Herod ; and as a military guard emerged 
from its dark walls to relieve that which had charge 
of the gate, the fire of his glance was again kindled, 
and the thought passed through his mind, ^ I fancied 
Jerusalem a heap of ruins — how different it is ! Ob 
for a storming party of the sons of Jacob, to carry 
these fortifications ! Oh for a little band of true Isra- 
elites to man these walls ! We need no Nehemiah 
to build them up, for they are in noble preservation ; 
and what matter if another Sennacherib with his 
godless host encamped without them, would Israel 
fear? would the lion of Judah quail?’ He gazed 
around him as the words rose almost to his lip, and 
encountered the eye of Da Costa fixed on him with 
scrutinizing earnestness, and an expression sternly sad, 
which recalled other thoughts of national sin and na- 
tional chastisement, so often the theme of that noble 
Jew’s discourse ; but the longing of his heart was 
irrepressible, the current of his fancy could not be 


264 


judah’s lion. 


turned. To re-conquer Jerusalem seemed an enter- 
prise so feasible, when he thought of the number, the 
wealth, the moral and physical power of his nation 
scattered over the whole world, that in imagination he 
already grasped the sword ; already charged through 
those narrow streets, and drove before him the min- 
gled rout of whom a stray individual only now and 
then crossed his path, with look so vacant, pace so 
leisurely, that it added fuel to the fire of his excited 
spirits. What did they there ? was his indignant 
enquiry ; was Zion to be trodden under foot by such 
as they ! 

The thread of his thoughts was suddenly broken 
by an exclamation in English, ^ Is it possible !’ and in 
a moment a gentleman sprang towards the Ryans, 
who on their part returned his greeting most joyously. 
A few words sufficed for explanation, their course was 
altered ; and after traversing a narrower street they 
stopped at the door of a respectable house, and the 
stranger, lilting Mrs. Ryan from her horse, said, 
‘ This is your home ; a place destitute indeed of aU 
that we account conveniences ; but oh, it is in a spot 
hallowed by the footsteps of him who had not where 
to lay his head !’ 

Charley was now resigned by Da Costa to the arms 
of his father, in a dozing state that seemed to promise 
refreshing sleep. Captain Ryan, as he took him, 
turned to the stranger, and said, ‘ Moore, these are 
two Hebrew friends to whom I and mine are more 
indebted than I have words to tell.’ 

The Missionary, for such he was, though only at 
that time a temporary dweller in the Holy City, bow- 


judah’s lion. 


265 


ed loWj and said that in truth and sincerity he should 
deem it an honour to receive them under his roof ; 
only regretting that its limited space would not afford 
more than one apartment for the accommodation of 
his friends. To this Da Costa returned a courteous 
assurance that he and Alick were secure of good quar- 
ters ; that he rejoiced in the more suitable lodging 
i thus provided for Mrs. Ryan and her child ; and that 
they would gladly avail themselves of his permission 
to look in on their friends after making some neces 
sary arrangements. They then relinquished their 
horses to the guides, and struck off into another 
street. 

‘ Now, Cohen,’ said Da Costa, affectionately press- 
i ing the arm that was linked in his, ^ You really must 
restrain yourself a little. This is not London.’ 

‘ I know that right well, Da Costa ; every pulse in 
i my heart, every sinew in my body, every breath of 
my life proclaims — This is Jerusalem !’ 

‘ Softly !’ returned the other, as he strove to mode- 
rate the pace of Alick’ s stride, you will attract atten- 
tion, and be forced in the darkness of some prison-cell 
I to realize the galling fact, that here in our glorious 
city, other lords beside the God of Israel have domin- 
ion over us.’ 

' ‘ Ay, Da Costa, but why should they ? Are we not 

able to dispute possession of this place ? Is it not oui 
own ? and if so, could we not soon, very soon wrest it 
from the hands of .’ 

Da Costa interrupted him ; ‘ The Lord our God 
hath not yet arisen for the scattering of his enemies. 

I Of ourselves wa can do nothing ; or if we could, if 
23 


266 


JUDAH S LION. 


even we at this hour held possession, as those scoun- 
drels now do, of the city and the land, what would it 
avail us. so long as Israel’s King acknowledged us 
not ? Ah, Cohen, it was not in her towers and bul- 
warks that Zion gloried, but because God was known 
in her palaces as a sure refuge : it was not the flash 
ing of the scymetar that bespoke her safely guarded, 
but the dazzling light of the Shecinah shining above 
the mercy-seat. It was not to the shout of armed men, 
that she owed her assurance of victory, but to the still 
small voice of divine inspiration, speaking to the soul, 
and again by the lip of her prophets. Would you 
care to dwell in the city of your fathers, unowned by 
the God of your fathers, Alick Cohen V 

^ No ; but why should we doubt his love to Israel, 
his readiness to receive again, and again to bless his 
own people T said Alick. 

‘ I cannot answer that question : but I am taking 
you to a scene that will, at any rate, impress you with 
present realities,. combined with a heart-rending me- 
morial of the past. We are now,’ he added, ‘tread- 
ing on the verge of Zion. You know the ancient 
walls enclosed a much larger space than these do ; 
they comprehended the whole of Mount Zion; but 
of that only a portion is now included in the city. 
We press it at this moment: these are the stones, 
this the dust of Zion — the dust in which her glory 
and honour are laid !’ 

Alick stooped, picked up a small stone, which he 
kissed, and holding it in his clasped hand said, ‘ I 
value it above all the gems in the regal crowns of all 
earth’s monarchs.’ 


judah’s lion. 


267 


‘ So do I ; but now I have a different and more de- 
plorable ruin to point out to you ; down yonder is the 
Jews’ quarter.’ 

^ There ! Are those filthy hovels the dwellings of 
our people at Mount Zion ?’ 

‘ Ay^ and those more miserable poverty-stricken ob- 
jects are the seed of Abraham, the children of the pro- 
phets, the people to whom God gave this land, and 
whom he made a terror to the whole earth. To this 
wretched corner are they restricted by the authority 
of those who rule the land : and I am not going to 
penetrate it now; come down this narrow lane; I 
will show you the highest privilege possessed by our 
nation, and for which they pay a heavy price to the 
domineering heathen.’ 

The road along which they passed was narrow, 
dirty, and obscure : it issued at last into an open space, 
where rose a high blank wall, of very ancient appear- 
ance. Here sat three or four men, chiefly aged, their 
apparel poor, but studiously neat and clean, their 
countenances worn with care and toil, and their voices 
joining in a low, tremulous chaunt, the sorrowful, 
dirge-like tones of which were the most melancholy 
the young man had ever heard. Tears were rolling 
down their cheeks, and moistening the long beards of 
the old men : and something like fear was in the hasty 
glance with which they surveyed the approaching 
strangers. ^ Go and speak to them,’ whispered Da 
Costa, in a voice of deep emotion, while he averted 
his face ; ^ speak in our own hallowed tongue.’ 

Alick approached ; one old man held a worn and 
soiled book in his hand, which he saw was the Psalms 


268 


JUDAH’s LibN. 


of David in Hebrew. He stooped and addresseo 
them in the language of their prophet ; ‘Ye that make 
mention of the Lord keep not silence, and give him 
no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a 
praise in the whole earth.” 

Gazing up in astonishment at the bright counte- 
nance of their young brother, the poor men seized his 
hands, and the skirts of his coat, kissed them, and 
with a fresh burst of tears replied in the words of theii 
melancholy hymn, one saying, in slow recitative, and 
the others responding to the same tone, 

“We sit alone and weep.” 

Alick was presently on the ground among them, ask- 
ing questions with an eagerness that outran his ac- 
quaintance with the language, and required the fre- 
quent assistance of his friend. They told him that 
the wall under which they sat contained a fragment 
of the ancient masonry of their city, and bounded the 
space occupied by SolomCn’s temple: that they pur- 
chased from the Turkish governor permission to ap- 
proach it once every week, and there they assem- 
bled, to weep over the past, and to pray for the future. 
It was late in the day ; the greater number had re- 
turned home, but they could not leave the spot while 
the privileged time of remaining there was unexpired. 
In answer to Alick’s earnest enquiry whether they 
did not expect to see Jerusalem delivered from all in- 
truders, and the worship of the God of Israel re-estab- 
lished, and the tribes restored, they answered, “ Not 
in our day ; not in our day.” 

Why not! our prayers and our hymns repeat the 


JUDAH S LION. 


269 


supplication, “ In haste, in haste, in our day ; speedily, 
speedily ; Lord build. Lord build, build thy temple 
speedily!” When you ask, why don’t you believe 
that you shall receive what you ask for % that is the 
way to get it.’ Alick forgot that he was quoting the 
New Testament. 

! ‘We have asked, and our fathers have asked, and 
) our children shall ask ; but , the time is not come. 
i We shall weep and wail in this holy place, as did our 
I fathers, and as also shall our children. The time is 
not yet’ 

‘ How do you know that it is not yet ? how do you 
know that you would fail, if like Nehemiah, you 
should say, “ The God of heaven he will prosper us; 

, therefore we his servants will arise and build r” ’ The 
! Jews shook their heads : one answered, ‘ Nehemiah 
: had the king’s licence and protection ; and the pro- 
clamation had gone forth : but we, we have no king’s 
hand stretched out to our rescue, and the rescue of 
! our city, and the rescue of our people ;’ and again he 
took up the strain, 

“ On account of the Temple which is destroyed,” 
and the others answered, 

“We sit alone and weep.” 

Da Costa now spoke, ‘ If a man of zeal and courage, 
having the fear of God and the love of Israel, having 
also the heart of David, and the sword of Gideon, 
were to arise, saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be 
built, and to the Temple, Thy foundation shall be 
^laid — what if such a champion came forward, and 
23 * 


270 


JUDAH^S LION. 


called upon the holy people to aid him in the en- 
terprise V 

^ He would not succeed,’ answered the old men, 
sorrowfully : ‘ our enemies are many, and mighty, 
and strong ; cruel lords rule over us, and deliverance 
is far off ; and the champion you speak of would die 
with the slain.’ 

Alick was about to speak again, but Da Costa, 
seeing some military guards approach, and anxious to 
spare his young friend the further pain and irritation 
of witnessing some insult or injury inflicted on the 
poor Jews for outstaying perhaps their precise mo- 
ment, hastened him away. As they walked on, he 
said, ‘ “ Terror of heart ” is among the threatened 
punishments to be poured out upon our people : and 
in this instance you perceive its effect. If there be 
a place under heaven where the Jew must feel him- 
self a Jew, and be kindled into daring thoughts, and 
brood, if he may do no more, over imaginary deeds 
of rescuing prowess, surely it is here, in the midst of 
Jerusalem, under the very walls of our holy Temple, 
over which gleams the impious crescent of the haughty 
Moslem! while the drivelling mummeries of those 
friarly idolaters pollute a spot by them deemed more 
holy than the Mahommedan deems his mosque. But 
you see how it is : not even a thought of daring is 
kindled here in the bosom of fallen Israel.’ 

‘ If you could read my thoughts, you would not 
say so.’ 

‘ I did not allude to you, but to those who, dwelling 
in the very place, are more than submissive to their 
own and their city’s degradation. They feel, perhaps 


Judah’s lion. 


271 


without knowing it, what I know without always feel- 
ing it, that the blight which makes barren the land 
of Judea, the desolation that has crumbled these frag- 
ments beneath our feet, lies heavily on the minds and 
spirits of her children. They of whom, while the 
Lord was their God, one could chase a thousand and 
two put ten thousand to flight, now experience the 
bitter reverse “ at the rebuke of one shall ye flee.” 
As it was spoken, so has it come to pass.’ 

He was silent for a moment, then resumed, ‘ I never 
speak thus in the presence of a Gentile, Cohen ; neither 
would I now so damp your generous enthusiasm but 
to show you the hopeless folly of looking to man. I 
was once like you ; and to such a pitch were my feel- 
ings roused, that I almost formed a plan for commenc- 
ing such a movement as you dream of; but, studying 
our holy law for the record of Israel’s ancient daring, 
I too plainly saw that of their ancient rebellion ; and 
tracing the history of our nation, looking upon the 
people in the state to which we find the great bulk of 
them reduced, and contrasting our present devotion to 
the Holy One with what he has required of us, I be- 
came convinced that a general turning unto him was 
needful before he would return unto us : and that to 
seek the restored possession of this our land without 
the Divine presence, which made it the glory of all 
lands, would be to render our fallen condition more 
miserably conspicuous than it has ever yet been.’ 

* But how are we fallen,’ said Alick, ‘ except as re- 
gards our exile and dispersion, a return from which 
would set us all right again V 

‘ What I mean is this ; oiu: fathers came up out of 


272 


JUDAH S LION. 


Egypt, and took possession of this land, driving out be- 
fore them many nations, stronger and greater than 
they : alike in their first settlement here, and in the 
rebuilding of this our royal city after the Babylonish 
captivity, the Lord -wrought with our fathers in the 
eyes of the world, so that they bore down all oppo- 
sition, and became a terror to the whole earth. This 
we have in our hook, which forms, as you know, the 
Bible of the Gentile world, and every child is .conver- 
sant with our history ; and the Jews, proceeding once 
m®re to recover possession of the land of Canaan, and 
to re-establish their seat of government in Jerusalem, 
would have on them the eyes of all, from the throne 
and senate to the nursery. Moreover, against us 
would be leagued almost all nations; and nothing 
short of Almighty aid could give us success. Desti- 
tute of such aid we should be baffled, defeated : and 
mark me, Cohen! Israel’s defeat would not be mea- 
sured by the common chances of war ; no, it would 
be measured by our own stupendous victories of other 
times ; and down, down to the very depths of scorn 
should we sink, annihilated beneath the load of scoff 
ing reproach I’ 

‘ But are we not to be restored ? Is not the promise 
certain V 

‘ It is as fixed a certainty as that we, even Israel, 
once possessed this spot whereon I now stamp my 
foot; but the elements of such a restoration are notin 
our own body as at present constituted. God must 
first arise, and his presence must go before us. The 
standard must be hoisted, the trumpet must be 
blown, but not by ourselves. I cannot tell you hoW 


JUDAH S LION. 


273 


my inmost soul longs for him, Messiah Ben- David ; 
the deliverer of my people !’ 

Alick almost started: the point at which Da Costa 
had arrived was precisely that at which a Christian 
would have met him with the gospel of salvation, 
and, unaccustomed to disguise, he at once spoke his 
; thought — ‘ You are speaking of Israel’s sin as the 
i| cause of God’s prolonged anger : and it seems to me 
that the person who comes to deliver us must be able 
to appease that anger by atoning for the sin. What 
; atonement will Messiah Ben-David make for us, 
r unless he be, as the Christians assert, a divine person, 
; and one who has offered a sacrifice for the sins of the 
: people, by dying for them V 

! The look of scrutiny that his companion fixed on 
]' him would have caused many an eye to quail, but 
L Alick’ s changed not: he endured the stern gaze, and 
I then repeated, ^ How do you explain this matter?’ 

‘ I am no Rabbi,’ answered Da Costa, ^ to solve 
subtle questions in divinity : yet alas ! Israel is so 
i fallen, that here, here in Jerusalem ; here, where stood 
the Temple of the Lord, filled by the glory of the 
unapproachable presence, while from its altars as- 
cended the flame of accepted sacrifices, and amid the 
breathings of sacred incense came the felt voice of the 
Holy One, making revelation of the Eternal will to 
the high priest ; — here, in this Jerusalem, where came 
; the princes and counsellors of other lands to learn 
; wisdom at the lip of Israel’s king — here, in this Jeru- 
salem, a Jew, as by sufferance he steals along the 
street, may propound doctrines subversive of our holy 
religion, — questions, the very uttering of which is, by 


274 


JUDAH'S LION. 


the law of Moses, punishable with death ; and find 
none to answer him !’ 

‘ You mistake me,'’ answered Alick, warmly ; ^ my 
remark implied nothing inconsistent with our divine 
fiaith.’ 

^ Pardon me ; it implied the assumed possibility 
that a man who, on this very ground’ — and he stamped 
fiercely as he said it — ‘ suffered a felon’s death, may 
have been even one with God ; may be an object of 
the faith and the worship, and the service, which to 
render to a created being is most damnable idolatry.’ 

‘ There lies the gist of the matter. Da Costa : ac- 
cording to your view, Christianity is necessarily idola- 
trous ; but according to theirs — and they ought to 
know best what they themselves believe — it is per- 
fectly consistent with our doctrine of the eternal Unity. 
They profess not only to found their system on our 
Scriptures, but to reject whatever is not in accordance 
with them ; now, as reasonable men, why should we 
refuse to search out the matter, or at least to talk it 
quietly over V 

^ I will tell you why : Moses writes thus, concern- 
ing the Gentile forms of worship — “ Take heed to 
thyself that thou be not snared by following them 

and that thou enquire not after their gods, 

saying. How did these nations serve their gods ? 
Even so will I do likewise.” Now your plan of in- 
quiry militates against this command.’ 

‘ No,’ remarked Alick, ^ for the question is not how 
do the Christians serve their God, but, is it indeed 
God whom they serve, or are they idolaters ?’ 

Again Da Costa bent on him a look of severe scru* 


jtjdah’s lion. 


275 


tiny ; but his open brow, and the boyish naivete that 
marked his manner, seemed to disarm the resentful 
Jew. After a moment’s thought, he said, ‘ Well, this 
matter may rest for the present ; I am going to secure 
our quarters at the hospice attached to the Latin 

Convent. That being done,’ 

‘ It will be done for yourself alone,’ interrupted 
Alick, crimsoning with indignation. ‘ Sooner will I 
rest on the bare soil, or pillow my head like our father 
I Jacob, against some fragment of those grey stones, 
' which girdled in the glorious and beautiful house of 
I God, than roll in the downiest bed a Gentile could 
smooth for me here ! In the Jews’ quarter, by the 
Mount Zion, and nowhere else, will I accept a lodg- 
, ing : if none of my own people will spare me a shel- 
i tered corner under their roof, then the canopy of 
[1 heaven for me !’ 

,j ‘You paradoxical fellow!’ said Da Costa, whose 
[\ heart bounded to hear this burst of nationality — ‘ how 
I could I tell that you preferred mingling your drink 
with weeping among the heart-broken children of 
Israel, to sharing the comforts of a well-furnished 
room and good cheer ? Truth to speak, I meant to 
see you well accommodated, as an English traveller, 
and to steal away myself to the Jewish quarter.’ 

‘ Then you meditated a gross insult, and a very 
V cruel wrong against me,’ said Alick, in a more intem- 
perate manner than he had ever yet spoken. 

‘ Perhaps so, but I meant it for the best : besides, 
he added slily, ‘ how could I surmise that you, who 
appear so anxious to investigate the theology of the 


276 


JUDAH S LION. 


Gentiles, would object to discussing tbeir viands, and 
becoming acquainted with their dormitories V 

‘ Oh, don’t speak so lightly, Da Costa. Surely this 
is no place to jest on the advantages enjoyed by 
aliens in our holy city !’ 

‘ No, Cohen ; nor to apostatize to the system of dis- 
graceful superstitions and delusions which they call 
religion. We’ll lodge with our brethren, and forsake 
not the law of our fathers, whoever wrests away their 
land, and usurps their place.’ 

This was spoken with abundance of fire j and at 
the same moment he changed his course, adding, 
‘We need give no previous intimation of our visit: 
we shall be well received by my friend. Shall we 
return and see how that dear little fellow is going 
on?’ 

They did so; but finding that Charley was in a 
comfortable sleep, while his parents were eagerly fis* 
tening to the recital of their friend’s recent adventures 
they made but a short stay, and again sallied forth 
into the streets of the beloved city. 

‘ See,’ said Da Costa, as they stepped aside to avoid 
a guard of the swarthy Egyptian garrison just passing, 
‘ See how the ancient oppressors of our people again 
lord it over us ; not as of old in their own dominions, 
but within the walls of Jerusalem ! Neither is it 
Egypt, the mightiest of kingdoms, but Egypt in the 
lowest depth of degradation, peopled by woman- 
hearted poltroons — governed by a revolted slave.’ 

‘ Yet there are promises for Egypt,’ observed Alick. 

* There are ; and the time draws near for their ful- 
filment. I ’m glad you reminded me of it ; “ In that 


Judah’s lion. 


277 


day shall Israel he the third with Egypt and with As- 
syria, even a blessing in the midst of the land, whom 
the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt 
my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and 
Israel mine inheritance.” The time is near !’ 

It was now evening, and the sun’s last beams rested 
gloriously on the brow of that three-capped hill which 
spreads its broad rampart along the eastern side, of 
the city. ^ Look,’ said Da Costa, ‘at the Mount of 
Ohves ; to-morrow we will cross that deep ravine, the 
valley of Jehoshaphat, of which I may almost say the 
very soil is composed of the dust of our buried tribes, 
and we will ascend the hill, where David went up, 
weeping as he went ; and from its height we will take 
a survey of our own city, and talk of what yet shall 



Zion !’ 


Alick’s heart swelled with emotions for which he 
could find no name. Charley’s innocent discourse, so 
wise in its baby simplicity, describing the Lord Jesus 
weeping over his stubborn Jerusalem from that spot, 
was vividly remembered ; and the argument that had 
followed seemed to derive additional distinctness from 
the sight of that sacred hill. In silence he gazed 
upon it, during a momentary pause on an open spot, 
and then again they plunged into the narrow streets 
that led to their destination, flanked on either side by 
those blank but stately walls which lent so peculiar 
an aspect to the city. A heap of rubbish next lay in 
their path, as they passed along the slope of Zion, 
and Alick, with downcast eyes, stept as softly as 


24 


278 


JUDAH S LION. 


though he were treading on flowers which he feared 
to crush. 

‘You are unusually silent, Cohen,’ said Da Costa 
at last. 

‘ I never in my life felt such a dreadful depression 
of spirits,’ answered he, with difficulty restraining his 
tears. ‘ I cannot describe it to you : my heart is 
weighed down, and a sort of dread overshadows me ; 
my very thoughts seem spell-bound. At one moment 
I could almost say. Take me hence ; but the prevail 
ing desire of my soul is never, never to leave this spot 
again. O to sit down in the dust, the dust of Zion ! 
O for liberty to weep and lament, and to plead with 
Him, the Holy One, for pity; pity upon his own 
Jerusalem!’ and leaning over a heap of stones, piled 
breast-high in his path, he buried his face in his 
hands, and suffered the tears to flow. 

‘ You shall have your fill of weeping and lamenta- 
tion,’ said Da Costa, in a voice that bespoke him 
unusually agitated, ‘but not here. We shall pre- 
sently be among our own people. Come ; I like not 
to linger in this place.’ ^ 

‘ Why not ? Is it not Mount Zion V 

‘ Yes ; through a mistake of mine in taking a wrong 
turn, we are on the acclivity of our holy mount, and 
a goodly site our worthy English friends have chosen 
for their experimental building. These things are 
collected for the erection of a Gentile church.’ 

‘ Jerusalem is full of them,’ said Alick. 

‘Yes, but this is to he a Protestant one: a rare 
novelty to he sure!’ he spoke scornfully, but Alick 
exclaimed ‘ Why then it will be the best of all.’ 


JUDAH S LION. 


279 


‘ And therefore in one sense the worst ; for the more 
attractively error arrays itself, the more dangerous. It 
is no matter,’ he added haughtily ; ‘ let them build ; 
the time is near when every abomination shall be 
swept away, and the pure worship of the God of 
Israel in all its majestic splendour be re-established 
here.’ 

He drew Alick away ; and descending again, they 
soon reached the quarter allotted to the Jews, in the 
farther part of which they entered an iron door, 
placed like others in a dead wall, and found them- 
selves in a tolerably spacious court belonging to a 
substantial house. The door was opened at Da 
Costa’s summons, and Alick almost drew back in 
surprise at the scene which met his eye. 

The apartment, though low, was of good dimen- 
sions; and there, ranged along the sides, on hand- 
some though plain divans, he beheld a number of 
females, habited in the oriental costume, unveiled, 
and many of them very beautiful. Their apparel 
was simple, but carefully arranged, in one or two 
instances only approaching to richness. The rest of 
the party consisted of the most imposingly striking 
men he had ever seen assembled. Diversified in 
dress, the high black cap with a band of white or grey 
muslin predominated, intermixed with turbans of 
yellow ; and some few plain skull caps. They were 
remarkably handsome, of noble, erect figures, except 
where bowed by age, and all bearded. All were 
evidently dressed to the extent of their means, but 
poverty was apparent in many instances. The cour- 
tesy, the affectionate wc^mth of their simultaneous 


280 


JUDAH S LION. 


greeting, soon dispelled from Alick’s mind 'every 
feeling save that of sympathy: and the familiar tones 
of the sacred language, which seemed exclusively to 
prevail, fell not only on his ear but his heart. He 
was in the city of Jerusalem, and all about him were 
Jews. Da Costa, who had easily acquainted himself 
with every turn in the youth’s ingenuous character, 
had calculated on the effect of such a meeting to 
counteract influence which he greatly dreaded : and 
their present host, one of the most zealous, if not 
the most bigoted of his race, had eagerly entered 
into his design. His venerable and stately appear- 
ance, as he laid his hands on Alick’s head, and pro- 
nouncing a blessing, filled the youth’s heart with 
affectionate awe ; and with attention keenly awake, he 
prepared to^ enjoy that evening’s important privileges. 


T 


CHAPTER XVIIL 

The company assembled at the house of Da Costa^s 
friendj consisted principally of Jews who, on the tem- 
porary overthrow of the Turkish power in those 
quarters, had flocked to the Holy City, having more 
reliance on the friendly disposition of Mohamet Ali 
than on that of the Sultan. They were in far better 
circumstances than their resident brethren, whose 
poverty was so great as to render them dependent on 
the contributions of the more wealthy for the neces- 
saries of life, and whose position in their ancient city 
forms one of its most afflicting features. The present 
party seemed under the impression that some signal 
event was about to take place, some very important 
crisis to arrive ; and although they bitterly lamented 
their dispersed, depressed, isolated condition, and 
complained of a general deadness to the encourage- 
ments that passing events held out to their nation, 
still it was apparent that their energies were in a 
measure roused, and their hopes excited. Alick heard 
more of the Talmud and the opinions of learned men 
that he had yet done ; and far less of the Scriptures 
of God than he wished to hear ; and he missed that 
delightful branch of the subject which Charley and 
his mother had made so prominent, the blessing that 
Israel should convey to Gentile nations ; but his 
24 * 


282 


judah’s lion. 


feelings were deeply interested, and gratified too 
when, looking round on the company of Hebrew men^ 
of mothers in Israel, and gentle Jewish maidens, he 
traced the high descent, and higher destiny of his 
people ; and recollected that howsoever comparatively 
depressed and obscure, still they were met, without 
hindrance, and with no cause for apprehension, in 
Jerusalem ; and contrasting such privileges with the 
stern edicts against them for many and many an age, 
his soul welcomed the dawning streak of their coming 
day-^a day of prosperity, triumph, and peace. 

After a while, a feeling remark of Da Costa’s led 
the conversation to the indulgence ' so graciously ac- 
corded by the infidel lords of Jerusalem to her original 
race, of frequenting the ruined corner; and Alick, 
asked whether it was really a fragment of the ancient 
city. He remembered not only the prophet’s declara- 
tion that Zion should be ploughed as a field, but also 
that of One whom he would not then have named, 
who had said, that of the great buildings of the Tem- 
ple not one stone should be left on another ; and he 
strove to wish that the word of Jesus might not have 
come to pass. He was answered by an old man, who 
told him that the wall in question had formed part of 
the outer enclosure, beyond the court of the Gentiles, 
and of course considerably exterior to all that per- 
tained to the Temple. ‘ The Holy One, (blessed be 
He ! ) did not suffer any portion of that sacred building 
to remain for the heathen to pollute,’ said the aged 
Jew; ‘Their abomination stands indeed upon the 
spot, marking the site where we again shall rebuild 
the Temple, after many purifications from its present 


JUDAH S LION. 


2'83 


I defilement ; but not a stone of our holy and beautiful 
! house have the hands of the accursed been permitted 
L to grasp. Yea, the magnificent stones were ground 
! into dust, by the merciful severity of the Most High, 
[ to preserve them from the dishonour of helping to con- 
ij struct a house of Belial.’ 

i ^ Then He spoke truly,’ thought Alick ; ‘ and it was 
a daring prediction for uninspired man to utter, seeing 
how desirable to the conqueior must have been the 
preservation of so noble, so unrivalled an edifice, 
i Was he not a prophet?’ and the question so entirely 
I occupied his mind, that he lost a good deal of the con- 
I versation which ensued, until the name of a mission- 
' ary, of whom he had often heard Captain Ryan speak, 
caught his ear, and he listened eagerly, ‘ I went to his 
room,’ said one of the party, ^ and would have disputed 
with him, but we could find no common ground to 
stand on. I brought to my aid the learned commen- 
taries of our chief Rabbins, — blessed be their memo- 
ries ! but he insisted on Scripture alone as the arbiter 
in all doubtful matters, and after various meetings we 
found it useless to proceed.’ 

^ Even without the commentaries . of the learned, 
you might have silenced him,’ remarked Da Costa. 

‘ No: for there are mysteries that require explain- 
ing, and he would shew them to be unravelled by the 
doctrine of the crucified Nazarene. How could I 
meet him but with the explanations given by our wdse 
men? How could I know the mind of Him who 
wrote, save by the interpretation of those who were 
inspired with understanding to discover it?’ 

The rest assented ; and several being present who 


284 


JUDAH S LION. 


were teachers, together with many learners of the 
Talmud, a discourse ensued on the various significa- 
tions given by ancient doctors to some passages, ap- 
parently too clear to require any comment ; some of 
whose views were so absurd, their remarks so childish, 
and their observances thereupon so exceedingly vain 
and superstitious, that Alick was no less mortified 
than amazed at hearing them descanted on as master- 
pieces of super-human wisdom. He became tired, 
and almost irritated at the endless mysticisms he waa 
compelled to listen to, and longed for a place beside 
some of the unassuming females of the party j but 
such a move he did not venture to make, being seated 
in the midst of the learned speakers, to whom he felt 
hound to pay every respect. Turning his head, how- 
ever, he beheld, a little in the rear, one of the old men 
he had seen at the place of wailing, who was quietly 
perusing his hook, half concealed in the folds of his 
robe ; and whose countenance, mild, sorrowful and 
humble, attracted him. An opportunity occurring to 
fall back a httle, Alick soon contrived to be on a hne 
with this aged Jew, and sufficiently apart from the 
rest to converse unnoticed. The other, aware of his 
approach, and of the wistful look with which he eyed 
him, spoke not, hut quietly offered a share in his hook, 
which Alick most gratefully accepted, and drawing 
closer to the old man, read with him the remainder 
of the hundred and thirty-sixth Psalm, after which 
they commenced the one following. “ By the rivers 
of Babylon there we sat down ; yea, we wept, when 
we remembered Zion.” The old Hebrew’s heavy 
sighs went to Alick’ s heart, and when he saw a teai 


Judah’s lion. 


285 


I fall on the white heard, and heard the low murmur 
j of his tremulous voice, he felt that he had at length, 
i so to speak, found his level. He accompanied him 
in every word ; and coming to the verse, “ If I forget 
thee, 0 Jerusalem, let my right hand forget,” — the 
youth uttered it with such fervent emphasis, at the 
I same time involuntarily raising his hand, that his com- 
I panion looked at him, and with corresponding fervour 
I recited the next words, “ If I do not remember thee 
j: let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth ; if I 
I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.” When 
I they ' had completed the portion, Ahck whispered, 
f Who is the daughter of Babylon?’ 

^ Rome,’ was the answer. 

I ^ Our ancient enemy,’ rejoined Alick; ^ the destroyer 
I of our Temple, the overthrower of our city, the mur- 
|| derer of our fathers.’ 

■j ‘ Ay, youth, and of their sons ; the greatest perse- 
cutor of our race from the day she first polluted this 
' soil with her foot, even to the present hour.’ 

J ^ Happily she has no footing here just now,’ said 
Alick. 

^ She has her agents even here, and her crafty 
counsels influence the springs of government, oppo- 
sing the liberal projects of other states, and carrying 
forward her own device of universal empire, of which 
>■ she longs to make this, our Jerusalem, the eastern 
I metropolis.’ 

‘ ^ But she never shall,’ said Alick ; ^ far rather would 

I that it remained under its present masters till Mes- 
siah come, whose right it is, than that Rome held it, 
even though it were to my personal advantage.’ 


286 


JUDAH^S LION. 


^ No Jew could be advantaged by that,’ remarked 
his companion ; ‘ not one of our nation would ever set 
foot within the gates, if Rome held the key. Our 
present privileges are not great,’ he added with a sor- 
rowful smile, in which resignation seemed to strive 
against more acute feelings, ‘ but they are privileges. 
To sojourn unmolested where stood the palaces of my 
race, to weep unrestrained beside the last decaying 
fragment of our glorious bulwarks, and to lay my bones 
where rest the bones of the prophets and the mighty 
men of Israel — these are blessings ; and yet a greater 
blessing is there in the uninterrupted study of this book 
of the law, and in tracing out, by the light of prophecy, 
amid the now polluted ruins of Jerusalem, the gran- 
deur and the beauty and the magnificent array in 
which she shall arise, when the call comes to shake 
the dust from her garments and to sit down — no longer 
upon the ground, but upon the throne which God has 
prepared for her, and which no other shall occupy.’ 

As the old man spoke, his eye kindled, his cheek 
glowed, and his voice became exceedingly impressive. 
A pau.se just then occurring among the other speak- 
ers, his words caught their attention, and such a 
response was uttered by many, in the various accents 
of prayer, of praise, and of confident assertion, as 
made Alick’s heart leap within him. Unable to con- 
trol his feelings he sprung from his seat, and exclaimed, 
‘ Is this Jerusalem ? Are such the promises of our 
God concerning her ? Do we believe those promises ? 
And are we never to stretch forth a hand to grasp the 
glorious realities on which our eyes are fixed ? Men 
of Israel, have ye forgotten the w'ord that came, even 


Judah’s lion. 


by the mouth of the impious Balaam, testifying wha 
the Lion of Judah should achieve ? and must that 
' kingly Lion for ever lie prostrate in the dust, while 
1 his enemies exult, and they who know his power 
marvel at his quietude V 

I The astonishment excited by this burst of enthu- 
siasm was great. Several seemed thoroughly roused 
by it; and some looked on the young pleader with 
feelings not unmixed with awe, as though a message 
had suddenly been delivered to them from a higher 
source. They were upon the spot where such com- 
munications were often of old made to their fathers ; 
and they gazed on him as if expecting a further 
manifestation of something wonderful. The old Jew 
! had also arisen and stood behind him, his thin hand 
j resting on Alick’s shoulder, and his mild eye lighted 
up with an expression of paternal tenderness, and 
holy exultation : Alick had spoken in Hebrew, which 
all understood, and used ; and while the effect pro- 
duced by his abrupt address was gradually subsiding 
1 into the expression of different opinions among the 
company, another aged man addressed his friend, 
saying in German, ^ Is he not the counterpart of your 
lost son, Wilhelm V 

Ahck caught the last word, and at the same time 
saw Da Costa start ; but he could not comprehend 
the language, and just then some one addressed to 
' him an enquiry as to his object in making so unex- 
pected an appeal to their strongest feelings. Alick 
frankly answered that he had no other object than 
that of recommending to his brethren a more practi- 
i cal application of what their own prophets had writ- 


JUDAH S LION. 


^ that he was persuaded the day of Israel’s re- 
^mption could not he far distant, but he saw no fruit 
of such a conviction on the minds of others ; and that 
to be content with the position which they now held 
in their own city appeared to him like the despising 
of good things p^mised by the Lord. Abashed as 
he really felt at having been led to make himself so 
conspicuous in a party where he was probably the 
youngest present, he resolved not to retreat, but to 
follow up, so far as he might, the advantage of having 
given a new turn to the conversation, and one far bet- 
ter suited to such a company than the dreams of the 
Talmud. He was weary, too, of the names of Rabbi 
Solomon Jarchi, Rabbi Kimchi, Maimonides, Aben- 
Ezra ; and longed to hear somewhat of Nehemiah 
the rebuilder; or of Zachariah, and the rest of those 
holy men, who by the inspiration of God had declared 
his purposes towards his own people. Alick had, 
moreover, detected some very startling things as form- 
ing part of the system which his brethren considered 
to be pure Judaism ; he heard from one stern-looking 
Rabbinical teacher a sentiment involving the doctrine 
that all Gentile people were to be converted by the 
edge of the sword to their faith ; from another he 
heard a remark plainly indicating that Christians 
were not to be regarded as neighbours, nor treated 
like fellow-men ; and, what confounded him not a lit- 
tle, that he was liable to the most severe punishment 
for eating food prepared by Gentile hands, and par- 
taken of by Gentiles. His father had always been 
extremely lax on this head ; and Alick had paid s® 
little regard to the opinions or customs of his peculiar 


Judah’s lion. 


289 


people, that he had looked on Ben-Melchor as an ex- 
traordinary specimen of exclusiveness, not as a fair 
sample of what a Jew would consider it right to be, 
in point of ceremonial distinction. Among many 
passing thoughts, he wondered that Da Costa had 
never spoken to him on the subject of that separation 
which it struck him he had himself always practised j 
ibr he was aware, though he had not before remarked 
it otherwise than as accidental, that he had neve*r ac- 
tually partaken with them in any meal at Jaffa, or on 
the road. Could he regard these observances as bind- 
ing on a Hebrew, and yet permit him daily to trans- 
gress without a warning word ? 

Towards the close of the evening, Alick missed 
rom the party both Da Costa and the German: the 
former only returned, and his excited appearance, his 
flashing eye, the restless motion, the evident abstrac- 
tion of his mind, struck Alick. The party soon after 
separated, and Da Costa, taking Alick’s arm, led him 
forth to the highest part of Mount Zion towards the 
East, whence they looked out upon the Mount of 
Olives. Neither had spoken : Da Costa was still la- 
bouring under strong emotion ; and his young friend, 
who began to feel some fatigue of body added to his 
mental excitement, resolved to let him take the lead. 
Having reached a ruined quadrangle, the remains of 
a small house, and seated himself on a low wall, mo- 
tioning to Alick to do the same. Da Costa com- 
menced : ‘ Cohen, the time is come, and come some- 
what sooner than I anticipated, for entering upon 
explanations^ of immense moment to you. I could 
have wished to defer this ; I wished to conduct you 
25 


290 


JUDAH^S LION. 


over al] the ruins of this city of Our God, to point out 
every sacred spot to which the proscribed Jew may 
approach ; to lead you to the sepulchres of our kings, 
the burying-places of our fathers. I desired to famil- 
iarize you with every touching wreck of our beloved, 
our dishonoured Jerusalem, groaning as they are un- 
der the gaudy temples of the Moslem and the Naza- 
rene ; and then I would have shewn you the interior 
of some of those execrable dens of idolatry where the 
latter carry on their abominable worship, addressed to 
images which their own hands have made. I purposed 
placing before you Zion in her deepest desolation, 
Gentilism in its proudest triumph, and then appealing 
to your heart and conscience as to which party might 
claim you a disciple.’ 

‘ No such preparation was needed, Da Costa, the 
faith of my fathers is dearer to me than my life ; the 
hateful idolatries to which you allude ’ . 

‘ Nay, hear me out. The plan so thoughtfully 
framed has been wholly disconcerted by the unex- 
pected recognition amongst this night’s party, of poor 
Wilhelm’s father ; and the discovery of a clue that I 
must immediately follow up, or the sole chance of 
tracing and of rescuing him may be for ever lost. This 
compels me to come to an abrupt and premature dis- 
closure of matters that concern you most nearly ,* for 
dear as Wilhelm, my long and loved companion is to 
me, I cannot sacrifice you, Cohen, the acquaintance 
of a day, even to save him. But time is so precious, 
the space allowed me so brief, that I must without 
further delay proceed to execute my mission. Stand 
up, Cohen, and here in the presence of the God of 


Judah’s lion. 


291 


[ Israel, who shall judge between us, answer me, are 
I v^ou a Christian V 

I ^ I am not ans\yered Alick, firmly. 

! ‘ What then are you V 

^ ^ A son of Abraham, by descent; a Jew in blood, 

1 in heart, in soul, and in profession. A Jew, in the 
: thoughtless days of boyhood, in free, happy England : 

I tenfold a Jew here, surrounded by the crumbling stones 
i: of Jerusalem.’ 

^ My dear lad, you are a Jew by birth and name, 
and a Jew in sentiment, hut there is, whether you he 
conscious of it or not, a halting between two opinions, 
I wholly inconsistent with the profession you make. 

Why, you do not even observe the law of Moses in 
i the matter of meats, of fasting, of purification — in 
I short, you are a Gentile to all outward appearance ; 
j and not a little in feeling and opinion,’ 

I Alick was hurt : ‘ you very well know that my father 
1 always looked forward to my enjoying political privi- 
i leges in England, and brought me up with as little 
distinction as possible between me and my Gentile 
schoolmates and compeers. If you thought me wrong, 

I why did you not reprove me at once ?’ 

‘ Let that pass ; and speak only of the future. Is it 
your purpose to continue this line of conduct, wound- 
ing your people, your religion, your own soul, by such 
glaring inconsistency V 

^ I am quite ready to conlorm in every particular to 
the law of Moses, and you cannot prescribe anything 
so strict that I shall not esteem it an honour, a privh 
^ ’-< 5 ge, a rich blessing to practise it.’ 

‘ And a matter of salvation,’ added Da Costa. 


292 


jqdah’s lion. 


Aliek was silent. A new train of thoughts arose m 
his mind, but his companion did not allow him to re- 
flect : he rapidly proceeded, ‘ The moments are so 
precious that we may not pause on a word. I must 
remind you that the sacred duties you declare yourself 
willing to fulfil, cannot be fulfilled under your existing 
connexion with the Ryans.’ 

Alick’s colour rose ; ‘ They both can and shall, and 
they must ! for my father has placed me under Cap- 
tain Ryan’s care, and you will not persuade me that 
disobedience to parents forms any part of the law of 
Moses.’ 

^ Suppose for a moment that no such arrangement 
had ever been made ; what then would you say ? 

^ Time being so precious we had better not waste 
it in idle hypotheses,’ answered Alick, somewhat drily. 

Da Costa seemed perplexed : ‘Yet, Cohen, indulge 
me thus far : did no such obligation exist, and were you 
perfectly satisfied that living and travelling with Chris- 
tians, uninstructed too as you are in all the re- 
quirements of our holy law, you must daily, hourly 
transgress it, would you prefer the gratification of a 
natural liking for some agreeable strangers to the stern 
duty of glorifying the God of Israel by obedience to 
his commands V 

‘ No, Da Costa ; in that case I should be enabled 
t© sacrifice all private feelings, and withdraw from 
society most dear and precious to me. I would, io 
that case, accompany you in your search for Wilhelm, 
share your dangers, and in every particular learn strict 
conformity to our holy law. Even as it is, I solemnly 
pledge my word to you that I will live as strict a Jew, 


JUDAH S LION. 


293 


be the difficulty what it may, as your heart can desire. 
Only tell me how to act, and doubt not my resolve to 
exhibit in all its features the character of our divine 
fjiith.’ 

Da Costa caught his hand, and exclaimed, ‘ Dear 
Cohen ! noble yuung Israelite ! how thankful I am 
; that I read aright your character, and permitted your 
own honest feeling to mark out for you the path into 
I which I had power to force you ! Don’t speak — lis- 
ten. You remember Ben-Molchor ? As strict a de- 
votee as can be imagined, he is moreover extremely 
fond of reporting all who come short of the standard; 
and your case was laid before some, high in authority, 
of which the world knows little. The report preceded 
^ you to Jaffa; I was employed to remonstrate with 
j your father, and I did so. It is unnecessary to repeat 
I all that passed : a long consultation was held with him 
by some of our leading men, and the result was this,’ 
— he drew a paper from his bosom — fyour father’s 
distinct permission for your removal from under Cap- 
tain Ryan’s care, to whom I also bear a letter of thanks 
I and full explanation; and should any resistance be 
offered by you, then an appeal to the Chief Rabbi 
here in Jerusalem would have been resorted to ; and 
you must have answered for your faith, either submit" 
i ting to his authority or apostatizing. Now, I did not 
particularly relish the agency in such a matter : but I 
took a special liking to you from our first interview, 
and I likewise felt no slight share of good-will towards 
that nice fellow Ryan, apart from his meddlesome 
ways. I confess too that my heart was fairly won by 
the child ; and the deep feehng they all evince for us 

1 23 * 


294 


JUDAH'S LION. 


nationally; which I never before knew any of the 
Jew-converting gentry to entertain ; nor even to re- 
cognise our nation, except so far as they could fix the 
taunting accusation of being a scorn and a curse. 
Well, I resolved to act tenderly by all parties ; and I 
should have approached very gradually to this point, 
but for the meeting with poor old Wilhelm, whose 
grief for his son, and emotion on discovering in me the 
companion of his travels, and the sworn avenger of 
his wrongs, spurred me on to this rude disclosure. S( 
noM^, Cohen, what say you?’ 

‘ I will go with you answered Alick, after a sever<». 
struggle ; ^ but had you proceeded less kindly and 
generously, I would not have yielded — would not 
have left my poor friends in their affliction — they 
who, to gratify me, changed the course of their travels 
and sacrificed their darling child.’ He was unable 
to proceed. 

‘ Be comforted, Alick. I mean to make a frank 
statement to Captain Ryan, and sure I am that his 
own honourable spirit will dictate a ready acquies- 
cence in our plans. We will repair to him as early 
as possible ; and while you sit with Charley and his 
mother, we will talk it over. At present you must get 
some rest’ 

They descended the Mount, and Alick soon found 
himself again in the Jews’ quarter. Very little sleep 
did he enjoy, his mind was so bewildered by the new 
and strange position in which he found himself; but 
the image of the meek old Israelite who had espe- 
cially interested him from the first, the hope of restor- 
ing to him his lost son, and that love of adventure 


Judah’s lion. 


295 


natural to bis age and character, almost counterpoised 
his bitter regrets concerning the Ryans. The thought 
of becoming a stricter Jew delighted him, and he was 
resolved to hold Da Costa to his engagement for the 
daily reading of God’s word, with a minute investiga- 
tion of the New Testament Early in the morning 
i they repaired to the Missionary’s house, and learned 
with joy that little Charley was very materially better, 
i They were admitted to the apartment where he lay 
pale, but full of animation, his face turned in the 
direction of a small latticed window, through which 
was seen the graceful slope of the Mount of Olives. 

1 He returned the caresses of his friends, and then, 
j eagerly pointing to the lattice, exclaimed ‘ Look, Mr. 
!j Alick: there’s the place where the Lord Jesus used 
to go and pray, and to teach the people : there’s 
j where he wept over Jerusalem: there’s where he 
came down, meek and lowly, and having salvation : 
and riding upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. 

I There’s where he sweat blood for us ; and where he 
was betrayed and taken with swords and staves : and 
' there’s where he shall be again, for “ His feet shall 
I stand on the Mount of Ohves,” when He comes to 
destroy his enemies, and to reign over the whole 
earth.’ 

‘ Y ou seem quite alive, Charley,’ said Da Costa. 

^Yes, Mr. Dockster; looking at the Mount of 
Olives makes me alive. Mamma says, if I go on so 
well J shall soon be able to go with you all through 
the place. How nice it wiL be ! You will show me 
t where David lived, and where he is buried ; and 
where Solomon built the Temple, and Nehemiah 


296 


judah's lion. 


built the wails up. Did’nt I tell you I should get 
better at Jerusalem? But why do you look so sad, 
Mr. Alick? Oh, it’s that you are sorry because Jeru- 
salem is taken away from the Jews: but never fear, 
when Messiah comes, he will give it you again, and 
he will be your God, and you shall be his people.’ 

He looked fondly at Alick, whose dejection seemed 
to increase, and putting his little arm about his neck, 
said, ‘ I do be sorry to see you look unhappy : but 
the Lord Jesus will comfort you. Don’t you remem- 
ber, at Ramah, the priest said I should die? Well, 
it made me a little afraid, and I was very sorry to 
leave Papa and Mamma, and you darling Jews; and 
I was afraid because of all my sins and naughtiness 
to go and stand before God : he is so great and ter- 
rible ! But then I thought of the verse “ The blood 
of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth from all sin,” and 
it did comfort me so! and I was not afraid then. 
Oh, if you would but love him, you would never be 
very sorry,, and you would never be at all afraid.’ 
He looked again to the window and repeated, “ As 
the hills stand about Jerusalem, so standeth the Lord 
about his people.” 

‘ Captain Ryan,’ said Da Costa, ‘ I want to have a 
few minutes conversation with you ; can you spare 
the time now?’ 

‘ Willingly. I hope we shall pass the whole day 
together ; and I am at your service.’ 

They went out : Alick’s heart beat most painfully, 
and Mrs. Ryan affectionately inquired if he was not 
well : ‘ He is sorry,’ said Charley, ‘ I know that. Mr. 


Judah’s lion. 


297 


Alick you shall read to me, please do ; I want you to 
read to me the twelfth of the Hebrews.’ 

Alick did so, and he felt the power of that exqui- 
site portion more, perhaps, than he had ever felt any 
part of the New Testament. Charley’s innocent but 
, appropriate remarks pointing more forcibly his atten- 
tion. He then answered various questions of the 
j child and his mother, as to what he had already seen, 

! and tried to smile, when Charley talked of the plea- 
! sant walks they should take, adding, ‘ I think I shall 
soon get well, now I am in Jerusalem, and you will 
he talking to me all day long about the beautiful 
places, till I can see them myself’ 

At length the two gentlemen returned ; Captain 



looked proud and high: and Alick with some trepi- 
dation obeyed a summons presently given to with- 
draw with them into another room. 


CHAPTER XIX. 


‘ Now Cohen,’ said Da Costa, as soon as they were 
alone, ‘ have the kindness to repeat to Captain Ryan 
what you understand to have been my share in this 
business.’ 

‘ There is no need of it :’ said the Captain. ‘ I am 
satisfied that you have acted as fairly as the circum- 
stances would admit : but having accepted, and so far 
faithfully discharged a sacred trust, I cannot at a 
moment’s notice relinquish it, without ascertaining 
the mind of my young friend.’ 

‘ My mind is soon spoken,’ said Alick. ^ The first 
wish of my heart would be to remain as I am, enjoy- 
ing this affectionate intercourse with you both ; but 
since it appears that I have, with the rest of my 
family, been remiss in keeping the commandments of 
God, as delivered to my fathers, and as fulfilled here 
in Jerusalem, through successive ages, I am desirous 
to repair that omission, and to observe the law, to its 
extreme letter, in all the strictness of uncontaminated, 
undiluted Judaism. This, it seems, I cannot do, at 
present, through ignorance and inexperience, while 
associating, in domestic life, exclusively with Gen- 
tiles ; therefore I am willing to make a sacrifice, 
which I can say from the depth of my heart, is not 
one that costs me nothing :’ his voice faltered for T 


judah’s lion. 


299 


moment, but he went on with fresh spirit. ‘ I wish to 
be, in the sight of all men, wholly and openly a Jew ; 
and as such I shall carefully compare the law and the 
prophets with what Christians assert is their fulfil- 
ment, I shall ask wisdom from the God of Israel, 
who alone can give it : then, if I find Christianity to 
be, as you say it is, the end of our law and the fulfill- 
ing of our prophets ; if He, whom you assert to be 
King of the Jews, is really so, and not an imposter, I 
shall be found in the right path for the acceptation of 
that which as yet I cannot receive ; and as I know 
Judaism to be of God, so if Christianity be of God also, 
they cannot clash — they must combine, and foj,m but 
one. To you, dear sir, I owe more than I can .spoak ; 
and I do indeed regret that my father’s tardy acknow- 
ledgment of what it seems was certainly obligatory 
on him, should have involved you in so much addi- 
tional trouble on my account ; should have deranged 
vour plans, and embarrassed your movements, and 
perhaps have placed the beloved babe in danger. For 
your sake I most deeply regret it ; for my own I can- 
not : selfishness prevails, when I think on the benefits 
that I have derived, and may yet more derive, from 
our short intercourse.’ He took Captain Ryan’s hand, 
and pressed it to his lips ; then joining it to Da 
Costa’s, he added, ‘ In whatever you may differ, you 
are one in affection for an unworthy youth, and one in 
honourable, generous feeling. Are you satisfied. Cap- 
tain Ryan V 

‘More than satisfied* I see the advantages of your 
future position ; and so long as you abide by the re- 
solve to study the Scriptures with prayer for divine 


300 


judah’s lion. 


teaching, the absence of man’s interpretations will be 
a positive gain. But beware of the Talmud !’ 

^ The Talmud,’ said Da Costa, ‘ is our oral law, 
and as binding on us as the New Testament is on 
you.’ 

^ I never understood,’ said Alick, ‘ that the Talmud 
was an inspired book.’ 

‘ I can tell you,’ replied Captain Ryan, ‘ in th& 
words of an established catechism of your nation, how 
this is regarded. It is asked, ‘ In what manner did 
Moses transmit to us the law ? Answer, Partly by 
means of the written, and partly by the oral law, or 
tradition.’ Then again ; ‘ Have the Mishna and Ge- 
mara equal importance with the written law? Answer, 
Just the same. They are and must be just as impor- 
tant as Holy Scripture, for they contain no arbitrary 
or human ordinances : — but 1st, Divine traditions and 
declarations to Moses ; 2ndly, Laws enforced by aug- 
mentation — i. e., according to the thirteen traditional 
rules of interpretation ; and 3rdly, Ordinances of the 
prophets and subsequent wise men, which are, as i^ 
were, erected round the word of God as a wall of de 
fence. All these, as having been received by th/ 
whole nation, have the same importance as HoP 
Scripture.” This is from the Bavarian Catechism, 
word for word.’ 

‘ But,’ rejoined Alick, ‘ I heard some things very 
lately stated on the authority of the Talmud, which I 
should not like to consider myself bound to believe as 
of equal authority with the Bible.’ 

‘ And I confess,’ said Da Costa, ‘ that there are 


Judah's lion. 


301 


some few things in it which I hope and believe are 
not now held by us as matters of faith.’ 

^ You must hold them so, on the authority of your 
Catechisms,’ repeated Captain Ryan ; ‘ for even in 
England, and within these two or three years, such 
have been re-published as this — after mentioning the 
five books of Moses — ^ We also, from the same source, 
receive, as sacred and authentic, a large number of 
traditions not committed to writing, but transmitted 
by word of mouth down to later times ; without which 
many enactments in the Holy Bible could not have 
been understood and acted upon ; these, termed tra- 
ditional or oral laws, were collected and formed into 
a volume called the ^ Mishna,’ hy Rabbi Jehuda Ha- 
kodesh A. M. 4150 ; in addition to this, we are guided 
by the explications of the later schools of pious and 
learned Rabhins, constituting what is now known hy 
the name of the Talmud, or Gemara.’ These tradi- 
tions, hiding as a dense cloud the brightness of God’s 
word, made it of none effect ; and under the darkness 
BO produced, they to whom the Lord of glory came, 
could not discern him, hut here, even here, they de- 
nied, rejected, and crucified him. He was asked 
“ Why do thy disciples transgress the traditions of 
the elders ? for they wash not their hands when they 
eat bread. But he answered and said unto them. 
Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God 
by your traditions?” And again he quoted the words 
of Isaiah, “ In vain do they worship me, teaching for 
doctrines the commandments of men.” Beware of 
the Talmud, Cohen ! beware of the admixture oi 
man’s devices with the pure truth of God !’ 

26 


302 


JUDAH S LION. 


^ Y ou are making the most of your opportunity^ 
Captain Ryan,’ said Da Costa. 

‘ Ay, and bitterly lamenting that I have not always 
done the same. I calculated on many a convenient 
season for talking to you both on the things that be* 
long to your peace ; and forgetful, or too little mind- 
ful of the commandment not to boast myself of the 
morrow, I have held back much that now I may not 
be able to say. The very circumstance that should 
have quickened me in the work, has furnished a sort 
of pretext for being backward in it — my boy’s danger ; 
and the courtesy, the kindness, the hospitality, that 
you. Da Costa, have shown me in this land, instead 
of rendering me more faithfully urgent with you in 
matters of salvation, have even fostered a false deli- 
cacy on my part ; a reluctance to wound your feelings 
or to shock your prejudices by honest zeal for the con- 
version of your soul.’ 

‘ You have not only shocked my prejudices,’ said 
Da Costa, ‘ but sometimes you have so put them to 
the rout that I could hardly marshal them again : 
you have not only wounded, but well-nigh slain my 
feelings of religious intolerance, by the exhibition of 
Christianity as so very lovely a thing, in your own 
character and that of your dear wife, and angelic little 
boy, on whom be the blessing of the Lord I’ 

^ Hear, hear him!’ cried Alick, in an ecstacy of ; 
delight, while Captain Ryan, much moved, bowed I 
his head. Then resuming his animated, energetic ; 
manner, he said, ‘ Da Costa, you have blessed my 
boy, who, babe as he is, would this hour yield his 
throat to the knife in witness of the truth which he 


JUDAH S LION. 


303 


holds, that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah of Israel, 
the hope of the Gentiles, the King of glory, God over 
all, blessed foi; ever. Now I challenge you on the 
ground of that blessing (which may the Lord confirm !) 
to reject the doctrines of the Talmud, which bid you, 
in lieu of blessing that Christian boy, to seek his life.’ 

‘No, no: said Da Costa, hastily; ‘there are no 
such doctrines in the Gemara ; and if any such thing 
have crept in, it is now obsolete — wholly exploded.’ 

‘ Obsolete ! can any command of the living God be 
obsolete ? Y ou aver, in the catechisms which I have 
just quoted, that the oral is of equal authority with 
the written law ; and that this forms a part of your 
oral law, I will instantly prove to you.’ He ran to 
his travelling valise, and drawing forth a volume, 
went on : ‘ Here is a book of which you will not deny 
the authority, as explaining and enforcing the pre- 
cepts of this oral law, the Hilchoth M’lachim : read 
now this passage— “ Moses our master did not give 
the law as an inheritance to any but Israel ; as it is 
said, ‘the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob;’ 
and to those of the nations who might wish to become 
proselytes. Moses our master has also commanded 
us, by Divine appointment, to compel all that come 
into the world to embrace the commandments given 
to the children of Noah. And whosoever will not 
embrace them is to be put to death.''^ Do you know 
what is meant by the children of Noah V 

Da Costa was silent ; Alick said ‘ No.’ 

‘ They are one of the four classes into which your 
Rabbins of the Gemara divide mankind. Israelites, 
Proselytes, children of Noah, and Idolaters. In the 


304 


JUDAH S LIOM 


last class, we, who acknowledge Jesus as our Lord, 
are included. The third head comprises those among 
the Gentiles who are wholly free from every thing 
that in the mind of a Jew constitutes idolatry ; and 
these can, moreover, only be enrolled in this privileged 
class during the celebration of a Jubilee, which ren- 
ders it impossible for any now to claim the benefit. 
Consequently I repeat it, as my little Charley would 
not, to save his life fifty times over, deny his Lord — 
there is no remedy : according to the Talmud he is 
to be put to death.’ 

‘ There’s not a Jew living who would think of any 
such thing,’ said Da Costa, impatiently. 

^ I believe it; therefore there is not a Jew living 
who, in his heart and conscience, and practice too, re- 
ceives the Talmud as the law of God. The atrocious 
calumnies propagated concerning you have only ob- 
tained credence, where they did obtain it, by appeal- 
ing to such passages as I have now shown you, which 
stand side by side with the reiterated declaration, in all 
languages, that you regard the oral law as equally 
authoritative and binding with the Holy Scriptures. 
Tell me, then, is Cohen to be a Jew according to the 
written law of Moses, or according to the countless re- 
quirements of the Talmud V 

It was a puzzling question ; Alick fixed an earnest 
look on Da Costa, who at length said, ^ My own edu- 
cation has been that of a man destined to mercantile 
pursuits, and having, of course, nothing to do with 
theological disputations. I have learned to observe 
and to do what is generally required of those forming 
our congregations, and so far I can guide Cohen in 


JUDAH S LION. 


305 


the same path. I may not he able to trace up every 
ceremonial to its precise origin, whether in the written 
or the oral law, but I can attest that it is an observance 
binding on us as Jews.’ 

‘ Could we not procure a copy of the Talmud and 
study it on our road V , asked Alick. 

Captain Ryan looked at Da Costa, who could not 
refrain from laughing, as he replied, ^ A dozen pon- 
derous folios would be too cumbrous an item for our 
saddle-bags.’ 

‘ A dozen folios ! why it would take a man’s natural 
life to become properly acquainted with their contents,’ 
said Alick, involuntarily drawing forth his Bible, and 
compressing it between his hands. 

‘ True replied Captain Ryan ; ‘ and as the Lord 
purposed his blessed word to be a lamp to the feet and 
a light to the paths of each poor pilgrim, he made it 
so simple that a child may comprehend ; so portable 
that a child may carry it in his, bosom. Yet, Da 
Costa, as the covenant by which you profess to stand 
is one of works, and the penalty of a curse is de- 
nounced against every man who fails to observe all 
the commandments of God, it must behove each one 
I of you to be fully versed in every precept of the oral 
law, if it be, as your Rabbins assert, of equal authority 
with the Scriptures.’ 

There was too much plain sense in all this to be 
easily parried. Da Costa merely said, ^ F or any breach 
of particular observances with which we may not be 
acquainted, we shall be held clear on the ground of 
ignorance, and our absence from the teachers of the 
law, and the public instruction of the synagogue. 

26 * 


30 ^ 


JUDAH S LION. 


After a -whilej Alick must study under a competent 
tutor : and so become versed in what concerns him as 
an Israelite to know.’ 

^ My dear friend ! look at the fourth chapter of 
Leviticus, and you will see what a solemn act of sacri- 
fice, the slaying of a bullock, the sprinkling of hit 
blood, the burning of his flesh, was directed, with 
much exact confession, where a soul had sinned 
through ignorance against any of the commandments 
of the Lord. There was no other way appointed — 
without shedding of blood is no remission of sins. 
Against the hundred thousand minute requirements 
of the oral law, you must necessarily he in hourly 
danger of transgressing ; and if they be the com- 
mandments of God, you need the daily sacrifice, the 
perpetual pouring forth of atoning blood before the 
Lord. When and where do you purpose offering 
this sin-offering, this bullock, and sprinkling his 
blood, and burning his flesh, while your penitential 
confessions ascend before the footstool of the Most 
High V 

‘ Here !’ answered Da Costa, in a voice of thun- 
der : ‘ Here, in Jerusalem ; here, where the temple 
once stood, and where yet again it shall arise in more 
exceeding glory and beauty. We have now no temple, 
no altar ; yonder accursed fabric usurps the spot where 
stood our holy and beautiful house ; it shall again be 
ours ! but think you the God of Israel will judge his 
people for failing in that which He has rendered them 
incapable of doing ?’ 

^ Listen, Da Costa : your fathers in the wilderness 
offered sacrifices according to the law of God, and 


JUDAH S LION. 


30 / 


a /ording to the rites by him commanded. They 
VMie miraculously fed by bread from heaven, and the 
water which they drank was a miraculous supply. 
That sandy desert yielded no pasturage, no streams: 
therefore the sustenance of their herds and flocks was 
no less a miracle than their own. The tabernacle 
was borne onward, was pitched, as the Lord directed : 
and when stationary, the altars were arranged, the 
sacrifice was offered, the visible glory of God rested 
upon the scene, and while as yet no place was found 
for the permanent worship of the Most Highest, the 
expiatory rite was constantly renewed, and Israel 
served God according to his own commandments, be- 
fore this spot was ever pressed by the sole of a Hebrew 
foot’ 

‘ But afterwards,’ said Da Costa, ^ God did put his 
name here, and commanded that here alone those 
sacred rites should be performed : here was the Holy 
of holies ; here the victim was slain, and his blood 
presented before the mercy-seat ; here only could Is- 
rael acceptably appear before the Lord ; and when 
this place was wrested from us, we were shut out from 
obedience to laws so expressly limiting to one place 
the fulfilment of what they required.’ 

‘ Which very limitation,’ interrupted Captain Ryan, 
‘ proved that so long as the blood of bulls and goats 
was to be shed in typical expiation, you should not 
lose the power of rendering such service ; and when 
the act was rendered wholly impracticable to you, it 
proved that God had provided for you a more excel- 
*.ent way.’ 

‘Not so fast, my good friend ; Judah was carried 


308 


JUDAH S LION. 


away captive into Babylon at one time, and remained 
m exile for seventy years, equally unable as now to 
carry on the temple-services. They were restored ; 
but no change of dispensation took place ; the temple 
was rebuilt, but not for the substitution of another 
form of worship. The law of Moses involuntarily 
broken for three-score years and ten, was in full force, 
as now it is : and carried out again, as by and by it 
will be, into perfect operation. Now, Ryan, what say 
you to this V 

^ I say, first, that your fathers were carried into cap- 
tivity because they had made the holy temple of the 
Lord an ofience by introducing idol-worship : they 
had left off to sacrifice according to Moses’ law, and 
every abomination which the Lord hateth they did unto 
their foul heathen gods. The temple was destroyed^ 
because it had been profaned by idolatry ; the people 
punished because they had so profaned it. Again, I 
say, the voice of the Lord was never silent among 
you during that short dispersion ; Jeremiah had fore- 
told the coming visitation, its cause, and its issue. 
Ezekiel, Daniel, and others, incessantly spoke the 
word of the Lord, promising a speedy removal of the 
chastisement, and distinctly signifying that its dura- 
tion would be short, and that the temple- worship 
should be revived on its termination. This affliction 
had an appointed use ; it was to wean you from idol- 
atry. It succeeded ; you never relapsed into that 
crime, and now for eighteen hundred years the heart’s 
desire of your scattered people has been to resume 
the worship of God in this place, according to what 
Moses enjoined. How do you, how can you account 


JUDAH S LION. 


309 


for this? Does not your heart whisper that a better 
sacrifice has been offered — one all-satisfying atone- 
ment which the former rites did but prefigure, and 
that by expelling yoU and keeping you expelled from 
the only place where you might resume those sha- 
dowy sacrifices and ceremonials, the Lord would have 
you to understand he requires them at your hands no 
longer V 

^ No, no,’ answered Da Costa hastily, while Alick’s 
face shone with the light that continually more and 
more broke in upon his mind ; ‘We have wandered 
away from our subject, Captain Ryan, and perhaps it 
is as well to wander away from it as to wander up 
and down in it. We never shall see these things in 
the same point of view. You will never become a 
Jew, nor shall I cease to be so.’ 

‘ Yet one word more, my friend, and I have done. 
Jew or Gentile, we are guilty men; be it the oral, the 
ceremonial, or the moral law, we stand guilty before 
God of innumerable transgressions : some way there 
must be of salvation, or what a doom of hopeless 
horror is before us ! It is not by keeping the oral law 
that you can attain safety, for you know not the 
hundredth part of its minute requirements, and the 
sin of ignorance demands a sacrifice which you cannot 
offer. It is not by strict adherence to the ceremonial 
law, for you, standing here in Jerusalem itself, within 
sight of the appointed spot, must die by infidel hands 
if you but plant a footstep within its desecrated boun- 
daries. It is not by the moral law, which might 
equally avail us both, for on what night could you 
or I say before the Lord, “ This day I have broken 


310 


JUDAH S LION. 


no precept — this day I have loved the Lord my God 
and served him with all my heart, all my soul, all 
my faculties, and all my means. I have wronged no 
man — I have not coveted aught that was withheld 
from me — I am wholly guiltless towards God and 
towards man.” No, we cannot look into the mirror 
of the two tables, and not hide our faces for shame.’ 

Da Costa appeared touched by this ; his bright eye 
flashed and glared no longer ; but with a downcast 
look he slightly moved his head, seemingly not in dis- 
sent, but in regretful acknowledgement of the truth of 
what he heard. Captain Ryan resumed, with deep 
and solemn earnestness. 

‘ It was commanded of God that in one place alone 
of all the earth should the mysterious expiatory offer- 
ing be made daily, by those whom alone he acknow- 
ledged as his people, the depositories of his holy will. 
Here, in Jerusalem, was the appointed place; and 
here in Jerusalem was the mighty work accomplished. 
Here the Lamb of God was set apart and slain ; from 
hence he went with the all-sufficient offering of his 
own blood into the Holy of holies up yonder, to ap- 
pear in the presence of God for us. In him, the sub- 
stance, every shadow terminated ; in him, the antitype, 
every type was realized ; and let all the thunders of 
Sinai peal forth, denouncing God’s righteous judg- 
ments on me, a polluted sinner, here I take my stand 
— Christ, the passover of Israel, the Lamb slain from 
the foundation of the world, is sacrificed for us, for me 
— yes, Lord, 

My faith would lay her hand, 

On that dear head of thine, 


Judah’s lion. 


3ii 


While like a penitent I stand, ^ 

And there confess my sin. 

My soul looks back to see 
The burdens thou didst bear, 

When hanging on th’ accursed tree, 

And hopes her guilt was there ! 

‘ And mine,’ was the silent response of poor Alick’s 
throbbing heart ; hut no word passed his lips. Cap- 
tain Ryan’s eyes were uplifted, and the expression of 
his countenance was, like his voice, at once fervent, 
humble, trusting, rejoicing. For a- moment Da Costa 
fixed on him a look of intense inquiry — for a moment 
it seemed as though he almost wished indeed to un- 
derstand his feelings, if not to share them : then ab- 
ruptly, as if waking from an idle reverie, he said, ‘ We 
have talked a good deal, and must leave off just 
where we started. It pains me truly to have been 
made, in my own despite, the instrument of thus put- 
ting you completely out of your way, and now of 
leaving you with that dear sick boy.’ Captain Ryan 
interrupted him : ‘ You have not in the least deranged 
my plans, my dear fellow : Charley is so happy in be- 
ing within the walls of Jerusalem : that I cannot be 
thankful enough for having reached them : and we 
are most comfortably situated. Excepting the pain 
of this abrupt separation, we shall feel no way dis- 
turbed by the turn matters have taken; and if we can 
soften it to poor Charley, I am able even to bless the 
overruling Providence that has so ordered all things, 
contrary indeed to our plans, but for the ultimate 
advantage of us all.’ 

‘ And will you write to my father ?’ asked Alick ; 


312 


JUDAH S LION. 


‘ and will you assure him of your forgiveness ? I know 
it must have pained him bitterly to act as he felt com- 
pelled to do.’ 

^ It did indeed,’ said Da Costa ; ‘ and a few kind 
words from you would be invaluable.’ 

‘ Never fear ; I’ll write him as cordially as I feel to- 
wards him, and that is not a little. Now, Cohen, will 
you pay another visit to your poor infant friend, and 
Da Costa also V 

‘ Let him go first, and have a good talk with him/ 
said Da Costa ; ‘ I will make some arrangements, 
and then join you.’ 

They parted with mutual cordiality ; Captain Ryan 
summoned his wife, to hear what had occurred, and 
Alick, with a swelling heart repaired to the sick room. 
Entering, he heard the happy tones of that little voice 
reciting the sixtieth chapter of Isaiah : Charley was at 
the twelfth verse, and most energetically did he re- 
peat, “ The nation and kingdom that will not serve 
thee shall perish ; yea, those nations shall he utterly 
wasted. The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, 
the fir-tree, the pine-tree, and the box together, to 
beautify the place of my sanctuary : and I wiU make 
the place of my feet glorious.” The boy lifted his 
nead, looking towards the Mount of Olives, and almost 
shouted, ‘ Glorious, glorious ; he will make the place 
of his feet glorious. Y ou beautiful hill ! you shall be 
glorious then ; for you shall be the place of his feet, I 
know ; and Jerusalem shall be the place of his feet. 
Oh, mamma, when may I go out ? Am not I one of 
the little boys that shall play in the streets of Jerusa- 
lem, when they shall be full of boys and girls playing ? 


JUDAH S LION. 


313 


He looked round, supposing his naother was there, and 
saw Alick vainly striving to hide his tears. ‘ Ah, you 
darling, is it you? You are crying ncrw, because 
Jerusalem is taken away from you ; but how glad you 
will be when He makes the place of His feet glorious I’ 

Alick sat down beside him, and asked him if he felt 
really better. 

‘ Sure and I do ! I shall get quite well in no time 
; now ; and all I want is for us to buy a house, and live 
; always here in Jerusalem.’ 

‘ What, and never see Ireland, poor Ireland, again ?’ 

‘ I love poor dear Ireland, so I do, you can’t think 
how much : hut you see I’d rather be here, and wait 
for the Lord’s coming.’ 

j ^ But some say there will be great fighting, and 
I killing ; you would not like that ?’ 

^ Papa says there will he fighting and killing every- 
where ; hut God’s people wont fight.’ 

‘ I think we shall,’ said Alick. ‘ You know he says 
I to the Jews, Thou art my battle-axe, and weapons 
1 of war ; for with thee will I break in pieces the na- 
tions : and with thee will I destroy kingdoms ; and 
with thee will I break in pieces the horse and his 
rider,” and so it goes on.’ 

‘Ay, hut, Mr. Alick, the Jews won’t break mt in 
pieces, because' I love them so.’ 

‘ You dear little fellow !’ 

‘ I say, will you take me on your knee, and let me 
^ get an uncommon good look at the Mount of Olives ? 
do.’ 

Alick complied ; he wrapped a light dressing gown 
{ round him, and lifting him in his arms, sat with him 


314 


Judah’s lion. 


opposite the little window ; Charley delighted to find 
himself again nestled on the bosom of his friend, and 
little dreaming, how much sorrow was struggling in 
that bosom at the prospect of leaving him, prattled 
away ; pouring out the fulness of his believing, loving 
heart, as he went over the various scenes so well 
noted in his memory, of the Lord’s history connected 
with that mountain. He talked of Gethsemane till 
his voice faltered, and tears fell on his still pale cheek ; 
he spoke of the ascension till his thoughts seemed to 
take wing and mount with the angelic squadrons who 
heralded the King of glory to the everlasting doors. 
He dwelt on his return, the cleaving asunder of the 
hill, and the fearful confusion that should overtake his 
baffled foes ; and then fondly stroking the cheek of 
his entranced listener, he told him how Jesus wept 
over Jerusalem, looking down on the spot where they 
then were, and how ready he was to gather him, ‘ a 
darling Jew,’ under his wing, as a hen shelters a little 
chicken. To all this, Alick returned no answer, 
though the occasional kiss, and the occasional tear 
too that Charley felt on his brow, was encouragement 
enough to the infant missionary, and led him out into 
the utterance of many of his brightest, wildest 
thoughts — wild only, as they knew none of the bounds 
within which man’s silly wisdom would confine the 
glorious revelations of God. Some time had passed 
thus, when Da Costa entered with Captain and Mrs^ 
Ryan, the latter of whom had been weeping abun 
dantly ; and sitting down, said, as he took Charley’t 
hand, ‘ Why you are quite a new man !’ 

‘ We must all be new men, Mr. Dockster, or we*U 


Judah’s lion. 


315 


have io run away when He comes and stands on that 
Mount of Olives.’ 

‘ What do you mean hy a new man?’ said Da Cos- 
ta, evidently puzzled. 

^ A sinful man changed into a holy man by believ- 
ing in Jesus Christ’ 

^ I hope you will live to preach a great many of 
your pithy sermons, Charley.’ 

^ I do not know what pithy is, Mr. Dockster ; hut 
if it means the Gospel, I’ll preach it as long as I 
hve, and the sooner I die the faster I’ll preach it, so I 
will.’ 

^ Why so ?’ said Alick, who longed to hear all he 
could. 

^ Because it makes me so happy: I’m afraid of no- 
thing when I think how the Lord Jesus loves me, a 
poor little child : and how able he is to take care of 
me. Oh, and he was a little child too, and here^ here 
in this very place, he tarried behind to talk with the 
Doctors in the temple ! It is so nice to think he was 
a little child like me ; he knows all about little 
children, because he was one. I did not think of 
that since I came to Jerusalem. When I am well, 
Mr. Dockster, will you carry me everywhere on your 
horse ?’ 

‘ Charles,’ said his father, we are going to ask you 
something ; we want to know what you think. There 
is a dear young Jew, in danger, as we believe, shut up 
in a strong place by some monks, to make him turn 
Romanist; Mr. Da Costa is his friend ; and this 
young man’s poor old father has asked him to go and 
Und him, and set him free. What shall we do V 


316 


judah’s lion. 


‘ Oh, to be sure you must go fast, Mr. Dockster,’ said 
Charley ; ‘ take plenty of soldiers and policemen, and 
get him out of their clutches.’ 

^ There are no soldiers, no policemen here, Char- 
ley ; moreover, it is necessary to keep it a secret ' 
and yet how hard for poor Da Costa to go alone ! 1 

would accompany him, but that I cannot possibly 
eave mamma and you.’ 

Charley looked wistfully round him, and last of all 
at Alick ; he hesitated ; the struggle was evidently 
very great, and so was the anxiety of those who wit- 
nessed it : at last he said in a clear, firm tone, ‘ Christ 
died for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for 
the brethren. Yes, you must go : for he is your bro- 
ther; you must go, Mr. Alick,’ he added, clinging 
closer to him, ‘ won’t you V 

‘Yes, I will,’ answered Alick, whose heart seemed 
to echo the boy’s sentiment. ‘ I’ll go, Charley ; 
and you must pray for us every day, while we are 
gone.’ 

‘ Ah, won’t I pray every hour? but will you write 
very often to us ? every post, or every other post ?’ 

‘ We shall not soon reach a post-town,’ said Da 
Costa, ‘ but you shall hear of us as often as possible! 
and see us again, I trust, before long.’ 

‘ And mind, Mr. Dockster, when you see the foolish 
Papists praying to crosses, please don’t think that that 
is our religion.’ 

‘I know it is not: and now Charles, I say good 
bye ; and I say, if there is one blessing above all 
others, my noble, generous, matchless boy, may it be 
yours !’ 


Judah’s lion. 


317 


Charley held up his meek face to receive the fer- 
vent blessing, and the no less fervent kiss of Da Cos- 
ta ; who, clasping both the little hands in his, said— 
* Take care of yourself, dear child ; and I do trust you 
will soon be quite well — I feel sure of it.’ 

Alick spoke not; for any attempt at utterance 
would have overset his firmness. He placed the child 
again on the pillow, and gazed earnestly at him. 
Charley was more than half crying, but bore up ; and 
again repeated, “ Lay down our lives for the bre th- 
en.” Alick stroked off the ringlets from his expan- 
Bve little forehead, and with one more long gaze, one 
nore kiss, he abruptly turned away ; but it was to 
neet Mrs. Ryan’s look of sorrow so deep, and dismay 
JO undissembled, that he could scarcely stand it. He 
dasped her hand, and in a whisper heard but by her, 
sjaculated ^ God, even your own God, bless you !’ 
He was outside the door the next moment ; and in 
any but a complacent mood towards Da Costa, whom 
he heartily wished he had never seen. He, however, 
repressed all unkind feelings, and gradually recovered 
the determined tone of which he had already given 
evidence. With Captain Ryan he parted as a son 
from a father ; and even asked the blessing before it 
could be uttered, which Da Costa heard in silence, 
and then said, ‘ When your good wishes are abroad, 
Ryan, don’t forget me, for I have not acted in this 
matter from choice.’ 


27 


CHAPTER XX. 


After bidding farewell to their Christian frienos, 
the two Hebrews returned to the foot of Zion ; and 
while Alick prepared his travelling bag, Da Costa 
was closeted with old Wilheltn. A sudden thought 
seized the youth, that he would indulge himself with 
one solitary ramble in^the city of his fathers, and 
leaving a message for Da Costa, he at once sallied 
forth. 

His undivided attention was now fixed on the ob- 
jects before him : he felt desirous to carry away on 
his memory, on his very heart, a deeply-graven pic- 
ture of that dear and sacred spot ; and seeing a flight 
of steps that led to the top of the inner wall, beyond 
which the outer one formed a breast-work, leaving a 
path of tolerable width, he mounted them, and found 
himself enabled to take a noble view, not only of the 
city, but of the surrounding country. How delicious 
was the solitude of those moments ! He lamented 
his partial acquaintance with the scriptures, a more 
perfect knowledge of which would have brought to 
his mind many a touching, many a spirit-stirring inci- 
dent connected with the scene before him ; but he 
knew enough to make it so absorbingly interesting, 
that self was wholly swallowed up in the sublime 


Judah's lion. 


319 


conceptions of what that royal city had heen — what 
she yet should be. Frequently pausing, leaning over 
the parapet, and rejoicing to feel that his heart was 
indeed permitted to hound against the stones of Zion’s 
wall, he slowly proceeded, without meeting any per- 
son, and almost realizing in his mind the lonely ex- 
pedition of Nehemiah, when exploring the broken 
ruins of the city. Evening was approaching, and the 
long shadows stretching on the hills bespoke the sun’s 
rapid decline. He quickened his pace ; and after a 
while arrived at a point whence the Mount of Olives 
appeared visible to an extent that he had not before 
noticed; and here he sat down, and fell into the train 
of thought that usually connected itself with that 
memorable spot. He was roused from his reverie by 
a hand gently laid on his shoulder, and an exclama- 
tion of delight burst from him on recognizing Captain 
Ryan. ^ How glad, how very glad I am to see you 
once more, and alone !’ he said, and his friend was 
evidently no less pleased. 

‘ My dear Cohen, I was tempted to ask a private 
interview with you, but repressed the wish ; for I 
would not interfere with the delegated ailthority of 
Da Costa,’ — ^ Pardon me. Captain Ryan,’ interrupted 
Alick, ‘ I recognize no such authority, neither does he 
assume it. I was merely told to make my choice, 
either to avow myself an apostate from Judaism, or to 
submit to the spiritual governors of my people. I 
chose, of course, the latter ; and having also the op- 
tion of remaining, if I wish it, with Da Costa, and de- 
siring to aid him in his present enterprise, I become 


320 


JUDAH S LION. 


the companion of his journey. No authority is thereby 
understood.’ 

‘ In spiritual matters he undertakes to be your 
guide, and regarding Christianity in the light he does, 
any interference on my part would he out of place.* 

^ Now tell me, honestly, frankly, what is your present 
opinion of Da Costa, since this disclosure ?’ 

‘ Just what it was before. I consider him an 
honourable man, incapable of a base action, but un- 
subdued in character, save as natural benevolence in 
a measure counteracts a very fiery, and perhaps a 
somewhat vindictive tendency. In this business I 
believe him to have acted most uprightly : and with 
a great sacrifice of personal feeling to his disinterested 
regard for you. It is but honest on my part to say so 
much ; but remember, Cohen, what man may be to 
his fellow-man is a widely different question from that 
which regards his state before God. Da Costa is 
blindly attached to what he believes to be the religion 
of Moses, but which he has not fairly brought to the 
test either of your own scriptures or of common sense ; 
and while he receives for doctrines the command- 
ments of men, without examining them, he cannot be 
a competent guide to others.’ 

^ But I will receive nothing without examining it,’ 
said Alick ; ‘ for I cannot think my reasoning faculties 
were given me to be hood- winked, and led about in 
passive helplessness by those of other men.’ 

‘Yet you must hold your reason in most perfect 
submission to revelation.’ 

‘But is the oral law, a revealed law?’ 

‘Ah, Cohen, that’s the grand question you have to 


Judah’s lun. 


321 


solve. Jesus of Nazareth, when teaching in the 
temple, told the Jews the great hindrance to their 
reception of him: he said, “ Had ye believed Moses, 
ye would have believed me : for he wrote of me. 
But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye be- 
lieve my words ?” This tradition was even then what 
it is now, opposed to the revelation of which it pro- 
fesses to form a part ; and men by receiving it actu- 
ally make void the real commandments of God. I 
am persuaded that, convinced as you are of the divine, 
the all-commanding authority of the Holy Scriptures, 
you never can receive these human additions, unless 
by the surrender either of reason or revelation — and 
the latter sacrifice would include the former — to the 
ipse dixit of a fellow-man. Hence my extreme soli- 
citude that you should become acquainted, as much 
as possible, with the minutiae of Talmudical require- 
ments, ever referring to the pure word of God ; and 
then judge for yourself how far they accord with the 
holy law — so simple, so perspicuous, so well adapted 
to man, as a reasonable creature, — which was given 
by Moses. God cannot deny or contradict himself; 
his work is perfect — he who believes Moses, and gives 
no heed to man’s vain interpolations, additions and 
perversions, will believe on the evidence set before 
him, in Him of whom Moses wrote.’ 

‘ I heard that mentioned last night as a powerful 
argument for Talmudism ; that he who rejects it is on 
the high road to become a Christian ; therefore, that 
the oral law was given to fence in and secure the 
written word.’ 


322 


JUDAH S LION. 


‘ Then, it would seem, Christianity is contra^ to 
the Talmud, but not contrary to the oracles of God V 

^ Rather, that the Talmud, like a candle, throws 
light on the subject, and reveals that contrariety to 
God’s law.’ 

‘ Or, like a false mirror, so distorts both objects, 
that their beautiful harmony is changed into the most 
discordant ugliness. I wish, Cohen, that you would 
ask among your learned men for some Talmudical 
extracts — for instance, the laws of the Mishna, 
relative to the hallowing of the Sabbath-day, take 
them with you, and study them on the road. If you 
like, I can supply you with a volume ; but it must be 
on condition that you show it to a competent judge, 
and let him tell you whether or not it is a correct 
transcript of your oral law.’ 

‘ I saw such a book on the table last night,’ said 
Alick eagerly ; ‘ and I will borrow it.’ 

‘ And let Da Costa read it with you.’ 

‘ Certainly ; but, remember, on the authority of my 
proper teachers, I receive that book as of divine 
obligation, unless I find it plainly contrary to Scripture 
or common sense.’ 

‘ Yes : and when you have detected the falsehood 
of the oral law, when you find how imperative on you 
is the observance of the ceremonial law, which you 
cannot keep, and when you have smarted a little un- 
der that universal schoolmaster, the moral law, you 
will come, weary and heavy-laden, to Christ, who 
alone can deliver you from the curse ; justify, sanctify, 
and ultimately glorify you, by his free grace.’ Alick 
answered not : he lifted his eyes to the Mount and 


Judah's lion. 


323 


thought of the words, “ How often would I have 
gathered you!” He then asked for Charley. 

‘ Dear little fellow I he was asleep, after praying 
most earnestly for you. I have great hope of his 
recovery ; but be it life, or be it death, he is the 
Lord's.’ 

At that moment the Muezzim’s loud, monotonous 
voice broke upon their ear, “ Prayer is better than 
sleep ; there is but one God, and Mahomet is his 
Prophet.” Alick exclaimed, ‘ Prayer is better than 
sleep : there is but one God alone | and Mahomet is 
an impostor.’ 

‘ Hush 1’ said Captain Ryan, ^ you must not beard 
the lion in his den.’ 

‘ The lion in his den, sir 1 the yelping cur in the 
lion’s den, you mean. The lion ! O, Lion of Judah, 
who shall stir thee up ? — -when, when wilt thou rouse 
thyself, and rend in pieces every intruding foe I’ 

‘ Ah, Cohen ; when you know that Lion of the tribe 
of Judah in his character of the Lamb that was slain, 
you will bless his long-suffering forbearance, and de- 
sire, not the life of that wretched pagan, but his soul.’ 

^ I don’t desire any man’s life,’ said Alick, in a 
tremor of half-subdued passion : ‘ but I want our own 
city, the city of our ancient solemnities, the land that 
God gave to Abraham and his seed for ever — I want 
them delivered from these defilers, and restored to us, 
at once the sons and the lords of the soil.’ 

‘ So do I! and when you acknowledge your King, 
he will speedily trample under foot every obstinate 
enemy.’ 

‘ May he hasten the day 1’ exclaimed Alick. His 


324 


JUDAH'S LION. 


vehemence had, however, attracted the notice of an 
Egyptian officer, who was narrowly eyeing him ; and 
Captain Ryan drew him away ; at the same time 
telling him that the prayer he had just uttered was 
more effectual than a thousand armies in bringing 
about the consummation so ardently longed for. He 
once more, plainly, earnestly, admonishingly set be* 
fore him the Gospel : he spoke of the dangers that 
he was about to brave, the hourly deaths to which he 
must be exposed, and showed him the insufficiency of 
his present faith, the vague, unsatisfying nature of his 
hope for futurity. Alick listened, and assured him 
that he would not trifle, but seek by all means to be- 
come established in whatever he should find to be the 
truth. Once more they parted ; and at sunrise the 
two Hebrews left the Floly City. 

Their course lay towards some lofty mountains, the 
intricate passes of which were familiar to Da Costa j j 
who told Alick they were infested with rapacious | 
Arab hordes, but that he had the promise of an 
escort from a powerful Sheikh, who would, if neces. ^ 
sary, accompany them in person. ‘ I long,’ said 
Ahck, ‘to get among the wild Arabs: they are 
our half brethren, you know, — the children of Abra- 
ham.’ 

‘ Ay, and so were the Edomites ; and what they 
were to Israel in the desert, these sons of Ishmael 
will prove to us, their poor kinsmen, if we be not 
wary.’ 

‘ What trace have you of Wilhelm V 

‘ A very uncertain one ; but we think he is in a 


Judah's lion. 


325 


Maronite convent among the distant mountains. 
Probably, on Lebanon.’ 

^ What are the Maronites ? how distinguished 
from others of these multifarious intruders upon our 
property 

‘ The Maronites are, emphatically. Papists. No 
race of men upon earth so devoted to the old fellow 
at Rome. It is nauseating to a degree to hear them 
talk about him. You know, in Palestine here, the 
monks are chiefly foreigners ; I mean recent importa- 
tion of live stock, distinguished from the foreigners 
whelped on the soil. Northward, however, whither 
we now proceed, the convents are peopled by the 
latter class. The Maronites are native Syrians ; not 
forming a part of the Romish Church, but given to 
the same edifying practices. A curse upon all idola- 
try !’ he added, clenching his teeth, and scowling 
as Alick had once or twice before seen him do, when 
adverting to poor Wilhelm’s adventures. He took 
no notice of it, but proceeded, “ Do tell me what you 
think of Popery, as distinguished from the other sects 
I of Christianity ?’ 

1 ‘ Why, it is all idolatry,’ answered Da Costa ; ‘ but 

I with this difference, that in England, Popery is the 
only branch of it that worships stocks and stones j 
while here, every form of Christianity does so. You 
know what a jumble there is in London ; Churchmen, 
Presbyterians, Baptists, and some fifty more who 
agree in nothing but eschewing image-worship, and 
deifying the Nazarene ; but here there is no Protes- 
I tantism — all, Greeks, Latins, Armenians, Maronites— 
28 


326 


JUDAH'S LION. 


all follow the practices of the original race — the seven 
nations whom our fathers cast out of the land.’ 

‘How bitter he is!’ thought Alick; then aloud 
he said, ‘ After all, Da Costa, seeing we have the 
true faith, should we not rather pity these people, and 
pray for them V 

‘ Of course,’ replied the other, carelessly : ‘ but 
Cohen, I’ll answer your question as to Popery more 
to the point. I do hold it to be the most abominable 
prostration of human intellect on the part of the many 
to the few that ever under heaven existed. As to the 
other sects, they invest the object of their worship 
with the character and the attributes of the Most 
High ; they say he did such works as man could not 
perform ; they believe that he rose from the dead 
and ascended into heaven ; and for this they even 
allege supposed predictions in the Bible, which, if they 
would bear the meaning assigned to them, might 
justify such belief: but Popery, not content with all 
this, superadds such a mass of senseless enormities ; 
the adoration of images, wafers, and dead people for 
whom they don’t claim any divinity at all, that the 
multitude who allow a knavish priesthood to lead 
them into it for their own palpable gain and honour, 
must be brutified far below the nature of man.’ 

‘ And it is notorious,’ said Alick, ‘ that not only our 
scriptures but the New Testament also denominate 
idolatry as hateful to God : how can such practices 
prevail, where the authority of the Bible is admitted V 

‘ Through the assumed power of what they call the 
church, to add to the word of God, and to bind the 
peoples’ consciences to do not only what he has not 


JUDAH'S LION. 


327 


commanded, but what he has forbidden.’ Then, as if 
suddenly recollecting himself, and wishing to prevent 
further remark, he exclaimed, ^ After all, the Turk is 
the most sensible fellow among them, notwithstanding 
his infamous treatment of us ; and I’ll tell you what 
Cohen, I’d rather hear the Muezzim from the mmaret 
than see a crucifix in Jerusalem.’ 

‘ So would I,’ answered Alick ; ‘for I loathe the 
wooden idol.’ 

‘ I might have steeled you for ever against Chris- 
tianity,’ resumed Da Costa, ‘ by taking you into what 
they caU the ‘ church of the sepulchre,’ but I would 
not pollute myself by crossing the threshold.’ 

‘ They are not Protestants who go there, though.’ 

'Not to enact the profane farce ; but I have seen 
Protestant gentlemen, ay, and right pious Protestant 
clergymen pressing into it, for a sight, and thereby a 
share in the disgraceful buffoonery. Such was not 
the command of God to us^ Cohen, when he forbade 
our even inquiring how other nations served their 
gods, or taking their names into our mouths. How 
gracious, how beautifully calculated to secure his peo- 
ple from all error is the law of the Lord, delivered by 
Moses unto our fathers !’ 

‘ I’ll tell you what. Da Costa,’ said Alick, ‘ Ever 
since I learned to look into the Scriptures, I feel like 
a person who, having always hobbled about on two 
lame legs, suddenly finds a strong staff put into his 
hands, by means of which he may get cheerily along. 
In every word there is something one may lean upon 
as a sure support ; and as yet I have met with nothing 
,^hat wants explaining by man — I seem to understand 


328 


judah’s lion. 


it all, as a familiar discourse addressed to myselfc 
Every thing suits me.’ 

Da Costa made no reply. Presently they arrived 
at a cluster of low buildings, in appearance mere dead 
walls, piled together; but here they alighted, and 
were soon joined by a small party of Arabs whose 
garb and aspect were much ruder than any that Alick 
had yet seen. A large cumbrous garment of rough 
hair enveloped their persons, from beneath which 
gleamed weapons of various kinds. Their heads were 
wrapped in shawls, so disposed as to cover the neck 
and brow ; and the faces that looked out from the 
midst of their uncouth drapery were perfectly in keep- 
ing with the costume. He who appeared as their 
chief, or leader, was the least prepossessing among a 
party of five, whose general character was repulsive- 
ness itself After some private conversation with this 
man. Da Costa returned to Alick, and asked him 
whether he thought he could make himself at home 
in a dress like those he saw before him ? 

‘ I have no objection ; but certainly our pale skins 
will discover us, if a disguise is what you aim at, un- 
less we contrive to tint them.’ 

‘ That is easily done,’ answered the other : and in 
a very short time they were so transformed that Alick 
would not have recognized himself any more than he 
could his companion, under the complete metamor- 
phosis that had taken place. His naturally mirthful 
spirits rose to their former pitch, while surveying Da 
Costa, whose grave, anxious face heightened the con 
trast with his former self — ^ My dear fellow ! what a 
paragraph for the Morning Post we should furnish I 


JUDAH S LION. 


329 


It was worth some pains-taking to become such ac- 
complished masqueraders.’ 

Da Costa smiled as he looked on him, and said, 
‘ Would Esther acknowledge us now!’ 

^Esther? what, my cousin Esther? why I never 
named her to you P 

‘No, but others have done so: and now, Alick^ 
since we are embarked in an enterprise of consider- 
able difficulty and some danger, I may as well give 
poor W ilhelm a sort of claim on your now gratuitous 
sympathy, by telling you that in aiding to rescue 
him you will confer a boon on Esther, such as her 
inmost heart will acknowledge to the end of her 
days.’ 

‘ I’ll stick at nothing to do that:’ exclaimed Alick 
with energy. ‘ Poor dear Esther ! many a sigh has 
my perverse liberalism caused her, and many an ill- 
natured thing have I said and done to cross her de- 
voted attachment to the faith of her fathers. I want- 
ed no spur in this matter : but if she, dear girl, takes 
the interest you seem to imply in Wilhelm, it wiU 
prove a sharp one to my zeal in this cause.’ 

‘ They have long been attached, and indeed be- 
trothed, secretly.’ 

‘ But Wilhelm did not visit at our house.’ 

‘ No : Esther passed some months in Germany 
among his friends.’ 

‘ I remember it : and also that she brought home 
thence a copy of the law and of the prophets, which 
I often detected her studying so profoundly that I 
used to banter her upon it : I knew no better then.* 
28 =" 


330 


jtjdah’s lion. 


‘ Well, we must now proceed ; my worthy friend 
Sheikh Abdalla looks impatient.’ 

On hearing himself named, the leader approached, 
and Da Costa inquired in what mode they should 
travel. Camels were named, at which Alick peti- 
tioned for a horse, or at least a mule, but was told 
they must be satisfied with camels until they had 
made some progress on the route. 

^ I don’t like that fellow at all,’ muttered Alick to 
his friend, ^ and I wish you would insist on our being 
so mounted as to admit of acting in self-defence, if 
called on. With this whimsical dress, and astride on 
one of those long-necked hunchbacks, with his intel- 
lectual face, and discomposing trot, I shall be as help- 
less as a babe in the cradle.’ 

‘ Oh, never fear ; our companions are friendly and 
will take good care of us.’ 

‘ I’d rather by half take care of myself, though,’ 
thought the youth, as he suffered himself to be placed 
on the back of the docile creature, who kneeled down 
to receive him. 

It was now that he might really be said to have 
entered upon Oriental life ; and the momentary dissa- 
tisfaction soon gave way to pleasanter feelings. 

Before them lay a tract as magnificently, wildly 
glorious as imagination could picture. Mountains 
rising abruptly to an immense height, every chasm in 
their bold, rocky crags shooting forth some species of 
graceful or gorgeous vegetation, crested with trees of 
gigantic stature, yet light and feathery as the plumage 
of a bird ; here they might discern the mouth of a 
cavern, screened by masses of arbutus, rhododendron, 


JUDAH S LION. 


331 


and the prolific nopal ; there, perched on the hrow of 
a naked precipice, some semblance of a building, but 
whether inhabited, or merely a solitary ruin, the eye 
could not at such a depth decide. Winding along the 
foot of this mountain-barrier, the travellers frequently 
found themselves among fragments which bespoke the 
ancient site of edifices now crumbling into dust : and 
one of these extended so far, and exhibited such mas- 
sive blocks of stone, bearing the marks of fine pro- 
portion, and elaborate sculpture, that, being on nearly 
a level plain, intermixed with the richest, loveliest, 
choicest vegetation, profusely covering the few ruins 
not actually sunk into the soil, Alick remarked, 
‘ This must have been a city, rather than a cluster of 
edifices.’ 

‘ Some noble city, beyond a doubt,’ answered Da 
Costa, ^ which sent up its stately sons to Jerusalem to 
I keep the appointed feasts. The whole country, up to 
I the mountain tops, was inhabited : the denseness of 
1 its population, compared with the extent of territory, 
was prodigious. Every rood of ground must have 
been made available for tillage or pasturage : every 
hill mantled with vineyards and olive-grounds. Of 
this you will perceive tokens, go where we may. We 
tread on the ashes of our fathers (may they rest in 
I peace I) and the lonely wilderness around us was the 
' mart, the palace, the garden of the world.’ 

‘ Was, and shall be !’ said Alick, as he stroked the 
I long neck of the camel that carried him. ^ How could 
I object to mount this creature, descendant as he is 
of a race who rejoiced in the fostering care of my 
I fathers, and is preserved to aid in the future triumph 


332 


JUDAH’S LION. 


of their sons. “ The multitude of camels shall cover 
thee.” Perhaps this, even this poor animal is one 
destined to the fulfilment of prophecy, when the cities 
of Judah shall again be inhabited.’ 

Again he looked around; and as they skirted the 
abrupt acclivity, he saw an upland path, entering th« 
mouth of a defile, that seemed to issue in a very steep 
ladder-like track, inaccessible to any but the most 
daring pedestrian. Here they paused for a while, 
Da Costa continuing in earnest discourse with the 
Sheikh, and both waxing rather warm, .tkhck longed 
to ascend the path, to obtain a more extended view, 
but how they were to mount it was a question he 
could not solve. At length the Sheikh drew towards 
his men, with increased sullenness of aspect; and 
Da Costa rejoining Alick, remarked, ‘ I gave myself 
credit for having provided against all difficulties and 
precluded all dispute ; but these fellows are wholly 
intractable — wholly unfathomable — and I am fairly 
at a nonplus.’ 

‘ “ His hand against every man, and every man’s 
hand against him,” ’ repeated Alick: ‘ and you never 
can put them down ; for “ He shall dwell in the 
presence of his brethren.” ’ 

‘ How complacent you are at the most unreasonable, 
vexatious, rascally conduct that ever men were ex- 
posed to !’ 

‘Yes; for when 1 see, even at my own expense, 
the promise of God fulfilled to a wild Ishmaelite, it 
strengthens my assurance that the seed of Jacob shall 
be remembered too, in his time.’ 

‘ Ah, Cohen, I know more scripture than you, but 


JtDAH’s LION. 


333 


your little goes ten times as far as my much, because 
you apply it — you realize it — so delightfully. Well, 
I won’t seek to put down these most obstinate half- 
brothers of ours ; but try a little fraternal coaxing.’ 

He approached the group, whose dark looks were 
very portentous ; what he said, Alick did not hear, 
but their countenances soon relaxed, and the Shiekh’s 
tone became more amicable. ^ So much for the value 
of a soft answer,’ thought Alick, assured by his friend’s 
pleasant manner and kind voice, that he had tried its 
efficacy. Da Costa soon came back, and told him 
they had agreed to a compromise, by which his plans 
would he less deranged than he had feared. Alick 
asked if Shiekh Abdalla was the same he had once 
mentioned, as aiding him to search the convent. 

‘ No, no, not he. My noble hand are genuine sons of 
the desert, different enough from these peculating 
Bedouins, whom I would not take a bird’s-nesting in 
the hedges of Harrow, to say nothing of a Maronite 
rookery on Mount Lebanon. But come, I see we are 
to proceed: I desired to halt here, and await the 
mules, which I very well know are within call ; but 
we must make the next pass, which is far more steep 
and impracticable, beyond which I will stir no step on 
the plain.’ 

They proceeded ; and night overtook them before 
any sign of access to the lofty heights appeared. ‘ I 
am now convinced ,’ said Da Costa, ‘ that we have 
wholly missed the route I was resolved to take, and 
that our present track will bring us to a point on 
which I never calculated.’ 

‘ In that case,’ said Alick, ‘ I should be inclined to 


334 


judah’s lion. 


hope that we were guided to the attainment of our 
wishes against our wills. Perhaps the wrong path is 
blocked up that we may stray into the right.’ 

‘ Perhaps so : at all events your philosophy is of 
a mos.t seasonable and tranquillizing character.’ 

‘ My philosophy,’ thought Alick, ‘ is drawn from 
the Bible. I wonder he does not see that.’ 

The Arabs soon constructed a rude tent, by which, 
and a projection of the rock, they were all sheltered; 
but Alick preferred the unfettered fragrant breezes of 
Palestine to every accommodation they could offer, and 
what little sleep he got was enjoyed under a high and 
wide-spreading cypress. His mind was full of Israel’s 
future glory in that land of all their hopes ; and, though 
not disinclined for any adventure, the present expedition 
bad little share in his thoughts, save as connected with 
Esther. He dreamed of her, as disputing with little 
Charley over the scriptures, and awoke to find the 
tent dismantled, and the party preparing to move, 
which, after some refreshment they did. 

‘ Well, Da Co.sta,’ said he, as some of the visions 
of the night recurred to his mind, ‘ When shall you 
commence instructing me ? As yet, you have only 
transferred me from the society of Christians to that 
of Mussulmen.’ 

‘ Patience, Cohen ; we shall soon be in better cir- 
cumstances.’ 

But Da Costa was mistaken : they had not proceeded 
far, when an unusual stir among their companions, 
with indications of no small dismay, attracted their 
notice, and Abdalla told them he feared a body of 
hostile character was not far off ; and in that case 


JUDAH'S LION. 


335 


they must all defend themselves. ‘ Give me a horse, 
or a mule,’ exclaimed Alick, ‘ and I can play my part : 
but on this camel I am just helpless.’ 

^ An hour farther on we should find them,’ said the 
Sheikh, ‘ but does the earth bring forth horses that I 
should furnish them here ?’ 

‘ Two of your men, and yourself, are well mounted ; 
you can manage one beast as well as the other — 
change with me.’ 

‘ Push on,’ said Da Costa, who knew the hopeless- 
ness of this request ; ‘ and let us try for the halting- 
place you speak of’ 

Instead of this, the Arabs commenced a consulta- 
tion ; and then the Sheikh, with a grave face, told 
Da Costa that as they might be separated in the com- 
bat in which they were likely to be presently engaged, 
it would be better to settle beforehand what was due 
between them. The other, though his eyes flashed 
with anger, as gravely and quietly declined; and on 
his attempting to proceed, the Arabs in front wheeled 
round, declaring that they would go no farther till 
their Sheikh was satisfied. 

A sound, coming from some distance, now reached 
them, and appeared the signal for decisive measures. 
The Arabs, evidently under some trepidation, made a 
rush, and snatched at the weapons of the Jews. Da 
Costa had a very valuable brace of pistols stuck in his 
girdle, and these appeared to be the principal attrac- 
tion, for several hands were stretched out at once to- 
wards them, while others bore down on Alick. How, 
or by whom the shot was fired, he did not know ; but 
he heard a shot, saw Da Costa fall, and at the same 


336 


JUDAH S LION. 


moment, galloping at the top of their speed, appeared 
a party of horsemen on the brow of a rising eminence 
before them. Short space remained for Sheikh Ah- 
dalla and his band: they wrested from Alick’s shoul- 
ders his uncouth cloak ; from his camel, the little 
package that carried his best treasure, the Hebrew 
Bible, and a few prized articles, and seizing the bridle 
of the beast from which Da Costa had fallen, and on 
which was a much more extensive booty, they turned 
back, dashed away, and disappeared before the ad- 
vancing party could come up. Alick flung himself 
from his camel, wholly absorbed by anxious alarm for 
Da Costa, who was bleeding from the knee, but sensi- 
ble. ‘Escape!’ he exclaimed, as Alick kneeled on 
the ground beside him. 

‘ And leave you? No, truly. Are you much hurt, 
Da Costa? 

‘ Yes — badly,’ — he was in dreadful pain ; and Alick 
scarcely heeded, in his efforts to staunch the wound, 
the suffocating cloud of dust in which the advancing 
troop enveloped them. 

They were Egyptians, scouring the country on be- 
half of Ibrahim Pasha ; and on coming up they laid 
hold at once on Alick, uttering many words of which 
he was wholly ignorant. They proceeded to bind his 
hands, when suddenly one among them uttered the 
word ‘Giaour’ in a tone of such surprise and exulta- 
tion as made his comrades press to learn the cause. 
Poor Alick’s vest had been so rent in the struggle — 
for neither to the Arabs nor the Egyptians did he 
yield without a fierce conflict, — that his side was ex- 
posed beyond where Da Costa had thought it need- 


337 


judah’s lion. 

ful to apply the colouring wash ; and ripping it to the 
shoulder, they soon detected the value of the fictitious 
complexion. A like scrutiny was held on Da Costa, 
who had fainted ; and among the shouts and jeers of 
the rude Egyptian soldiers, the wounded Israelite was 
thrown across the camel that had been Alick’s, and 
he himself, bound, and fastened by a thong to the 
wrist of the mounted Egyptian who led the camel, 
was compelled to walk. 

What had occurred took place within a few min- 
utes, and bore so much the aspect of a dream to 
poor Alick that he scarcely believed it otherwise. 
Severe pain, however, roused him to a full sense of 
the reality ; for he had received some contusions in 
the scuffle that rendered it difficult to walk at the pace 
his conductor required, and a frequent blow urging 
him on, increased his sufferings. Gladly would he 
: have endured tenfold greater to purchase a little ten- 
derness for his wounded friend, whose groans pierced 
his heart, as he strove to change his miserable posi- 
tion ; while every effort, baffled as it was by the straps 
that bound him, only elicited the jests or provoked the 
ferocious menaces of his barbarous guards. In this 
i way they proceeded, until near noon, when a halt was 
I commanded, and under the shelter of a clump of trees 
the party dismounted, and proceeded to regale them- 
selves. 

An officer under whose direction the prisoners had 
been bound, now sauntered by them, and without 
stopping uttered a few words, on which a little dirty 
water, and something resembhng coarse barley bread 
was given lo Alick. His thirst was intense; but 
29 


338 


judah’s lion. 


merely moistening his lips and palate with what he 
would have given worlds to quaff, he lifted the cruso 
to Da Costa’s mouth, who drank it so eagerly that 
the sight overpaid his self-denial. As yet, neither 
had spoken ; Da Costa seeming unable so to do, and 
Alick was deterred by the threatening gesture of his 
guards, whenever he seemed about to address his 
companion. It was evident that the party was a most 
disorderly one, and some strong beverage was now 
taking effect on the greater number, whose shouts 
and riotous mirth became deafening. One, under 
great excitement, staggered towards the prisoners, 
and brandished a long knife in Alick’ s face, until an- 
other struck it aside, and a struggle ensued, in which 
several were engaged before the madman could be 
disarmed. Suddenly a movement took place, com- 
parative order was restored, and the officer, rapidly 
passing, issued an order, in obedience to which Da 
Costa and Alick were hurried a little aside, the former 
being laid on the grass, the latter seated near him, 
and three soldiers, with scymetars drawn, stood in 
military attitude, guarding them. The band had 
divided into two portions, leaving a space, a few yards 
in width, and Alick was able to form a better judg- 
ment than before of their numbers, which were not 
under twenty, all formidably armed. It was evident 
they were in a state of expectation, their eyes fre- 
quently turned in the direction whither they had been 
travelhng, and just as the tramp of horses’ feet reached 
Alick’s ear, he remarked a most grim, ferocious ex- 
pression of hostility succeeding the levity that had 
prevailed. He looked in the direction of the sound, 


Judah's lion. 


339 


and leisurely trotting their horses up a gentle slope, 
he saw four men in a garb no less dear than familiar 
to him ; it was the uniform of the British Navy. 

What were his feelings ! Deliverance was the first 
thought, and his heart beat high with hope — a single 
word of appeal, and rescue was certain ; but, alas ! a 
moment’s recollection told him the English influence 
could have no weight with such a rude, disorderly 
horde ; and that any attempt at interference on their 
behalf might afford a pretext for some outrage for 
which they were plainly disposed, and in which their 
numbers and weapons would give them too great an 
advantage for even English prowess to withstand. 
Besides, there was an evident determination on the 
part of their guards to prevent any speech between 
him and the travellers. Meanwhile, the party had 
arrived nearly opposite them. The Egyptian officer 
came forward, and a paper was handed to him, the 
name of Ibrahim Pasha being at the same time ut- 
tered. This was carefully examined, and returned, 
and as the foremost of the Englishmen rode on, Alick 
caught a sight of one in the rear, and uttered an in- 
voluntary exclamation, that procured him a terrible 
blow across the mouth from the flat of a scymetar. 
He saw Gordon, the gunner of the ship ; and saw his 
eye fixed on him, hut with no sign of recognition. 
Forgetting at the moment his disguise, the Arab garb, 
and Arab complexion that he had assumed, it wrung 
his heart to be so disowned in the hour of his deep 
calamity : but again he remembered ; and as the 
Englishmen quietly proceeded on their way, a feeling 


340 


JUDAH S LION. 


of thankfulness for their safety prevailed over all selfish 
regret : he wiped his bleeding lips, and resigned him- 
self to the overpowering recollections which the tran- 
sient glimpse of the good gunner’s well-remembered 
face had called up. 


CHAPTER XXL 


There are few situations in life so painful, as not to 
be aggravated by the addition of uncertainty. Alick 
Cohen was a prisoner, in the hands of pitiless barba- 
rians ; he was suffering in mind, in body, and estate. 
The friend for whom he had relinquished all others, 
and who was to have been his guide into what he was 
taught to believe was the only way of acceptably 
serving God, was in worse plight ; nearly insensible, 
and probably dying before him. They had also been 
taken in the worst company, for Abdalla and his band 
had proved themselves robbers ; and their own dis- 
guise bespoke a wilful, premeditated identification 
with those dishonest associates. The men, too, who 
of all others would have been most likely to disregard 
the odds, and freely venture their lives to deliver 
them, had looked on them with evident compassion, 
but without ever dreaming that they were fellow- 
countrymen, or aught but what they appeared to be, 
criminals in the hands of justice ; yet all these ag- 
gravations were less in Abekas sight than the tor- 
menting uncertainty as to their present destination 
and impending fate. 

That the latter would be summary judgment and 
death, was exceedingly probable ; but Alick, though 
naturally brave to recklessness, was not able to con- 
29 ^ 


342 


jtjdah’s lion. 


template a sudden doom without such a revulsion of 
feeling as made him tremble all over. Conviction 
of his personal sinfulness had fixed itself too deeply 
in his soul to admit of self-deception there ; and he 
felt that he had been trifling with a season of rare 
opportunities, while deferring to some future day the 
settlement of the solemn question, How should that 
sin of his heart and life be atoned for? He ought not 
to have rested until he ascertained the true character 
of Him whom he was invited to regard as his Saviour ; 
for whether Jew or Gentile, he could not enter into 
the presence of the God of heaven without some 
propitiation for his sins. ^ What avails it to me,’ 
thought he, ^ that I am of the race to whom God gave 
this fair land, over which I am now goaded like a 
beast to the shambles — what avails it, that my race 
shall again possess this land, and rejoice therein to 
the end of time, if my soul is lost, and my portion is 
in Gehenna, where hope corneth not? And not only 
with my own safety, but with that of my poor brother 
here, how cruelly have I trifled ! I felt sure that my 
enquiries would end in beholding in Jesus of Naza- 
reth, the desire of nations, — the King of Israel ; but I 
resolved to bring to a prafetical test what I already 
know to be unsatisfying, insufficient ; and I meant to 
take the same circuitous route with respect to poor 
Da Costa. What ensues ? Destruction like a whirl- 
wind has come upon us, and he dies wholly rejecting 
One who probably holds the keys of heaven ; and 
whom I half love, half dread — whom I do not ac- 
knowledge, yet dare not defy, — yet may I not even 
now confess him, and throw my cause into his hands ? 


JUDAH S LION. 


343 


xlow then shall I answer it, if he be not what I 
would wish him to be % and how shall that secret 
wish be forgiven by Him whose name is Jealous.’ 

The Egyptian party had moved on ; and a soldier 
less savage than the former had charge of the cap- 
tives. He marked the faltering steps of Alick, whose 
face was moreover much disfigured by the blow that 
had cut his lip, and swollen it greatly. This man, 
having lifted his whip to strike him when he flagged, 
suddenly dropped his arm, and taking from his saddle 
a small leather case, gave him to drink, but would not 
allow him to share it with Da Costa. The beverage 
was refreshingly cool, and invigorating also ; and the 
graceful courtesy of Alick’ s respectful obeisance, as 
he returned the cruse, seemed to win yet more upon 
his Egyptian guide. After a while, he threw the 
thong to a comrade, rode up to his oflicer, and made 
some representation, which was very surlily repulsed : 
he returned, looking dark and fierce, and Alick 
trembled lest Da Costa, whose sensitiveness to pain 
seemed on the increase, should sufler under a savage 
ebullition. It was otherwise however : the soldier 
as he rode back had plucked some delicious fruit from 
a tree overhanging the road, and this he gave to 
Alick, pointing at the same time to Da Costa, and 
giving sufficient freedom to Alick’ s hands to admit 
of his administering the welcome juice to his fever 
parched comrade. 

How unspeakably soothing to the wounded spirit is 
sympathy ! Alick looked up in the face of his swarthy 
guard, and murmured a blessing from the depths of his 
heart. He went on more cheerily, and strove to as- 


344 


judah's lion. 


certain the bearings of their road, that he might, when 
arriving at any town, form at least a guess as to the 
locality ; but it was impossible to make anything out, 
so eccentric appeared their zigzag course. The heat 
also was becoming too intense for endurance, and he 
feared delirium must ensue, if he was much longer 
exposed to it. A disposition to quicken their pace 
soon showed itself; and Alick was once more mounted 
upon the same camel that carried Da Costa, under 
whom some bundles were placed, so as to form a sort 
of support. Alick would gladly have offered some re- 
hef, but his arms were bound more tightly than before, 
and it was as much as he could do to preserve his 
seat. The road became at once so hilly and so stony, 
that nothing but the conviction of their near approach 
to a town would have encouraged him sufficiently to 
hold on. This he did for a short time, not daring to 
lift his eyes, lest the unexpected jolt, occasioned by 
frequent small hollows in the descending road, should 
upsel: him. All his care and caution were vain ; a 
blow, part of which fell on him, made the poor animal 
start : and Alick was thrown suddenly to the ground, 
and became insensible. 

When he recovered, he found himself in what 
seemed to be a dungeon : four walls rose to a height 
of some seven or eight feet ; and a small aperture in ' 
the upper part of one of them afforded light enough to 
scan the dimensions of the cell, which was miserably 
small. The first sound that caught his ear was of 
some quick, heavy gasps, as of one breathing in great 
pain • he uttered the name of Da Costa, and was am 


JUDAH S LION. 


345 


swered by him, in a faint voice, ^ Cohen, where are 
' we V 

^ I wish I knew ; hut probably we never shall dis- 
cover it; nor will our fate be made known. I re- 
' member being in the act of falling, but beyond that I 
am ignorant. It seems to me, that we have been 
i thrown into some hovel by the way-side to perish.’ 

' ‘ No; confused and almost fainting as I was, I can- 

not be mistaken in thinking we are in some fortified 
place. I heard martial sounds, and the hum andbus- 
t tie of an arrival in somewhat more than a village. It 
I may be a camp. It matters not — there is but one 
I point on which we can fix, in our present circumstan- 
I ces, with a violent death before us; and how cheering 
|j is that one consideration !’ 

! ‘ What is it Da Costa V said Alick anxiously. 

' ‘We die in Judea; our ashes will mingle with tbe 
i sacred soil ; and in the place where the bones of our 
fathers have mouldered, our’s also shall rest’ 

‘ And from that soil we shall rise.’ 

‘Yes, to partake in Israel’s triumph.’ 

I Alick sighed: his wounded friend half raised his 
I head, and asked, ‘ Do you shrink from death, Cohen? 
— remember, our journey was one of great peril, and 
you were not backward in encountering it’ 

‘ I do not fear death ; but your la.st remark led to 
the solemn question, what ground have I to expect a 
share in Israel’s triumph?’ 

‘ You are a Jew.’ 

‘ So were they. Da Costa, on whom, at different 
times, the fierce anger of the Lord fell. The rebels, 
' idolaters, and despisers of his grace, for whom we can- 


346 


JUDAH S LION. 


not possibly imagine that any share in the future glory 
shall belong. They were all Jews.’ 

‘ But we are not as they, Cohen ; we have not re- 
belled against the Lord.’ 

‘ I have ; many a day, and every day, and it is use- 
less to blind myself to the fact. I have not fulfilled 
the law : I have not refrained my foot from the sab- 
bath, neither have I honoured my parents, neither 
have I forborne to covet. In my heart I have set up 
idols ; and I have taken the name of the Most High 
in vain.’ 

‘ There is no man but must plead guilty to some 
of these things,’ remarked Da Costa. 

‘ No : therefore all men need to bring with them 
something wherewith to propitiate the Lord: and 
what have I to bring ?’ 

‘ A repentant heart, dear Alick.’ 

‘But if penitence alone would suffice, wherefore 
were the sacrifices instituted ? Why was such an im- 
mense burden of ceremonial usages laid on our fathers ? 
and why did the most penitent and godly show the 
greatest diligence in observing them ?’ 

Da Costa was about to reply, but his wound became 
painful, and in a faint voice he asked Alick, whether 
he thought any water was left beside them, or any 
means of egress, by which he might go in quest of 
some ; his hands were still bound, but so loosely, as to 
admit of freely using them ; and he pushed at the nar- 
row aperture by which they must have entered, and 
which was closed by a rude but strong door. It yielded 
to his hand, and he walked out into a narrow vaulted 
passage, half hoping that escape might be practicable. 


judah’s lion. 


347 


Here; however, he was abruptly met by an Egyptian 
soldier, who, in very good Arabic, ordered him back. 
Alick implored a little water for his suffering compan- 
ion, and the other reaching through a side-door which 
Alick had not observed, handed him a pitcher, which 
he took with so many thanks that his gratitude seemed 
a little to soften the guard. When Alick ventured to 
ask where they were, he replied, ‘ In the Governor’s 
prison.’ 

‘ What governor ?’ But instead of a reply he got 
a push towards the cell, the soldier following, and re- 
closing the door with some additional fastenings. 
When Da Costa heard what had passed, he said, 
‘ The fellows who brought us here, spoke some dialect 
almost wholly unknown to me ; I caught a word now 
and then, but nothing connected. They were, how- 
ever, doubtless of Ibrahim’s army, and this is some 
stronghold for which they were marching, when they 
fell in with us. To-morrow we may expect to be 
brought before this governor, and to receive our doom.* 

It was late in the evening before the party had 
reached this place ; and now the increasing light con- 
vinced them that day had broke, before they became 
aware of their destination. Aliek’shead was exceed- 
ingly painful, and the sensation produced by so many 
contusions, added to extreme fatigue and want of 
food, was peculiarly trying from its novelty, to one 
brought up in the very lap of indulgence. Yet all 
was as nothing, compared to the internal struggle. 
Gordon’s image was still present to him, as when he 
first pointed out those passages relating to the Lion 
of Judah, and from them preached the Gospel to his 


348 


Judah’s lion. 


attentive listener. He could not but think that theii 
recent meeting was ordained to leave him without ex* 
cuse, rising up as a testimony against him for so little 
heeding what he heard. Again Charley’s declara- 
tions sounded in his ear, more particularly that ad- 
dressed to Ben-Melchor, the immediate cause of his 
separation from the friends who so earnestly sought 
his soul’s welfare. He then reverted to Charley’s 
sweet, placid, assured hope in Christ, and felt how 
precious to him would now be even a distant gleam 
of the ray that shone so brightly on his infant friend. 
The day advanced, and at one time a broad stream 
of sunlight shot athwart the miserable apartment, 
through the narrow crevice or loophole, which showed 
the wall to be of great thickness ; and by this hght, 
he beheld the ghastly countenance of Da Costa, 
heightened by the effect of the red shawl fastened un- 
couthly about his head, and the partial disappearance 
of the colouring matter that tinged his face, while the 
blood from his wound had drenched his lower gar- 
ments, and added to the misery of his appearance. 
His own plight was very little better ; and a feeling 
more forlorn could scarcely be imagined, than that of 
Alick Cohen, whethel: as regarded the concerns of the 
body or of the soul. 

Towards mid-day, a scanty meal of boiled rice and 
bad water was thrust into the cell ; but even this was 
a welcome luxury, and Alick saw with joy that Da 
Costa was evidently revived by it. He had bound up 
his wound as well as he could, and it wore every ap- 
pearance of being comparatively slight ; profuse bleed- 
Ug, rather than the severity of the hurt, having en- 


JUDAH S LION. 


349 


feebled him so much ; hut Alick dreaded, lest the 
want of proper attention might produce evil effects. 
Yet, convinced as he was that death awaited them 
both, it was of small moment ; and he deeply longed, 
as for his own, so for his companion’s soul, that any 
assurance of safety beyond the grave could be arrived 
at He was meditating on the best mode of again 
opening this subject, when the clatter of several foot- 
steps approaching the cell arrested his attention ; and 
in a few moments the door was thrown open, and 
an officer handsomely equipped, a silken tassel droop- 
ing from his high cap, and a richly-decorated sabre 
in his hand, entered, followed by a soldier, while se- 
veral others were seen in the passage. Alick felt 
as though the instrument of death was before him, 
and at the same moment a prayer, which he could 
I not if he would have arrested, rose silently, but 
; fervently from his heart: its purport was that of 
I Bartimeus, — “Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy 
i’ upon me !” 

I The officer stood, stooping, as the lowness of the 
li apartment compelled him to do, and for a minute or 
i two silently surveyed the prisoners ; then asked them, 
I ^ What are you V 

I In one breath they both replied, ‘ Jews.’ 
j The officer smiled in contempt, and replied, ‘ Ye 
I Bedouin rascals, what do ye expect to gain by claim- 
1 ing kindred with a race more despicable than your 
j own?’ 

I ‘We are not Bedouins,’ answered Da Costa, ‘ though 

i for a particular purpose we assumed the dress of our 
Arab guides. We are Hebrews, natives of England, 


30 


350 


judah’s lion. 


and guiltless of any offence against the present rulers 
of this land. We crave to he released.’ 

‘ By Mahomet you have a brazen forehead. Where 
have you concealed the plunder, the arms and money, 
the garments and provisions, carried off four days 
since from the convent V 

‘ We have been near no convent ; and four days 
since we were in Jerusalem with other English tra- 
vellers ; having landed at Joppa not long hefo,re.’ 

^ Confession will better serve you than these impro- 
bable falsehoods. Abdalla may yet be overtaken, and 
for him there is no mercy. Reveal the place of his 
retreat, restore the booty carried off, and I will inter- 
cede for you : otherwise your doom is sealed.’ 

‘ How can we reveal that of which we know no- 
thing? We are far removed from those who could at 
once disprove the charge against us. If men’s Hves 
be worth a thought, send, for you have the means, to 
Jerusalem, and inquire — , 

‘Send to Jerusalem!’ repeated the officer, with a 
laugh of derision: ‘Arab or Jew, the bastinado will 
compel you, once in your lives, to utter truth ; Dogs I’ 
and with a scowl of angry disappointment he suddenly 
left the cell. His attendant lingered for one moment 
behind, advanced to the prisoners, and growling forth 
the word, ‘ Giaour I’ spat at them, spurned them, and 
hastened out. 

Alick received the kick, having thrown himself be- 
fore Da Costa, whose cheek burned with wrath, then 
became pale as the lingering stain that had dyed it, 
would permit. ‘ It is no new dispensation,’ he said, 
‘ for the Israelite to suffer under Egyptian bondage. 


Judah’s lion. 


351 


We are drinking the cup that our fathers drank be- 
fore us ; and the arm that delivered them is not 
shortened, if it were His will to deliver us also. 
Of that however I see no prospect, miracles apart: 
Abdalla has evidently been engaged in some serious 
outrage ; and all that might otherwise tend to our se- 
curity is likely to be turned against us. Our disguise 
must appear a means of aiding in his evil deeds, that 
we may also partake in the spoil ; and they will tor- 
ture us to divulge what we are wholly ignorant of, 
then put us to death in revenge for our silence.’ 

‘ I don’t doubt it,’ answered Alick, quietly. 

‘ And I have brought you to this, Cohen ! I, who 
would have promoted your welfare before my own, 
am your murderer.’ 

‘ Not so, dear Da Costa : we both exposed ourselves 
to peril for another’s sake. Do you remember little 
Charley’s prophetic words, We ought to lay down 
our lives for the brethren?” ’ 

^ Prophetic, indeed, and soon accomplished.’ 

^ I know,’ said Alick, whose thoughts and feelings 
were now beyond his control, ^ I know exactly the 
principle on which that beautiful precept is grounded. 
Looking to one who laid down his life for his enemies, 
how it shames our selfishness, constraining us to feel 
— surely, surely we can at least lay down our lives for 
those who are our brethren!’ Then, before his friend 
could reply, he added, with increased earnestness, ^ Da 
Costa, I felt no anger when that Egyptian spat on 
me and spurned me ; such an insult would, not long 
since, have made me fell any man to the earth, 
though hacked by a thousand troops, ere a hand 


S52 


JUDAH'S LION. 


could be raised to defend him ; but I thought, even 
then I thought of Jesus, who suffered, oh, how much 
more ! for sinners. His Spirit was with me, and I 
forgave the trespass, even as I hope my trespasses 
are forgiven.’ 

Da Costa thought that either his own or his com- 
panion’s mind must be wandering ; he looked at him 
in silent astonishment, and Alick resumed. ‘ The Lion 
of the tribe of Judah is to those who resist him a lion 
indeed, terrible in his strength, able to destroy, and no 
man shall stand before him ; but to others he is a 
lamb, a slain lamb, merciful and meek, able to save 
I see the twofold character in Him united, and I can^ 
yes I can, believe !’ 

‘ Believe what V asked Da Costa. 

‘ I believe with all my heart, with all my soul, that 
Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God.’ 

‘ This is sheer madness ; you had no such belief a 
day or two since ; and not a word have you heard, or 
read, not a single thing has come in your way, to 
cause this sudden change. You will go near to make 
me a believer in the pretended sorcery of these Egyp- 
tians. Say no more now, but compose your mind ; 
my poor boy, you will have enough to try its strength 
by and by.’ 

‘ I never was so composed as I now am ; and I fear 
no trial, since I have committed my cause to one who 
is able to maintain both it and me. Oh, Da Costa ! 
what I now feel is a foretaste of heaven itself — such 
a peace, such a calm, such a joy ! Methinks I do 
long for the stroke that shall send me 

‘To Gehenna!’ exclaimed Da Costa, vehemently, 


Judah’s lion. 


353 


Wretched boy, do you dare to apostatize? do you 
fling from you the priceless privileges of the holy 
seed ? Recreant, do you cease to be a Jew?’ 

‘No, God forbid! I do but add to the law that 
Moses gave, the faith that Moses held. Cease to be 
a Jew I when on my soul first beams the joy of ac- 
knowledging the Messiah of Israel, who shall come to 
reign, even as already he has come to suffer. No, I 
believe that no soul can perish while trusting in Him, 
who has said, “ Look unto me, and be ye saved, all 
the ends of the earth,” but Israel is His first-born; 
and in Israel above all others will He he glorified. I 
would not cut myself off from Israel.’ 

‘ Nevertheless, sir, you do, if there be any meaning 
in what you now rave. The mere act of which you 
are now guilty, the going after other gods, whom your 
fathers have not known, cuts you off; and were we 
not dispersed, desolate, and unable to fulfil the re- 
quirements of our most holy law, you \yould be put to 
death, as a warning to others.’ 

‘ Why should you speak so harshly to me. Da Costa, 
seeing that we are both about to appear before the 
righteous judge of men ? A few hours, a few minutes 
may be the limit of our mortal lives ; before the sun 
goes down, we may be, and probably we shall be, in 
the eternal world. Realize, if you can, the awful 
transition from all outward, and now visible things, 
into the dazzling presence of the Most High, to whom 
are known all our deeds, our words, our thoughts, from 
the dawn of reason to this hour ; remember you are a 
sinner, and remember too that under our holy law, no 
sin, however trivial in man’s sight, is absolved with- 
30 ^ 


354 


Judah’s lion. 


out the offering of some sacrificial atonement ; an.!t 
what have you to offer ? What have you to plead ? 
F or myself, I have this to say — I know that, from the 
beginning, God commanded sacrifices, connecting 
with them the belief in an atonement, which it was 
not in their nature to afford; that, having chosen 
Israel to himself, he gave them a more particular law, 
and set apart one especial place where alone those 
sacrifices should be offered up ; that at a time clearly 
foretold, he sent One into the world, who, being both 
God and man, was perfectly without sin, and who was 
offered up, in a bloody and cruel death, at the very 
place so set apart for acceptable sacrifice, and which 
almost immediately afterwards became, and to this 
day continues, inaccessible to any of the race. In him 
also I see every prophesy fulfilled ; and I now know 
by blessed experience. He hears and answers prayer, 
and enlightens the dark eye, and satisfies the hungry 
soul. He has invited me : I have come to Him, and 
by the issue of this plea I will abide.’ 

‘ I will talk no more to you ;’ said Da Costa, turn- 
ing to the wall, against which he lay with his fore- 
head pressed, writhing with bodily and mental an- 
guish, while Alick, in tender pity, secretly prayed for 
him. 

A scanty supply of the same coarse sustenance war 
handed into the cell at sunset, and from this it ap- 
peared, that their doom was postponed at least till the 
morrow. Alick mentioned this to Da Costa, and 
pressed him to take some of the food ; but with a look 
in which pride and rebuke strove with the languor of 
exhaustion, he replied, ‘ I cannot eat with you.’ 


Judah’s lion. 


355 


‘ Neither need you/ answered Alick, mildly. ‘ I 
have not touched this, only the vessel that contains 
it : I will not partake, for indeed I do not need it ] 
but you are faint and feverish, and I, alas ! have 
aggravated your sufferings unwillingly yet unavoida- 
, bly.’ The mournful tone in which he spoke, induced 
Da Costa to turn and look at him, and he could not 
but be touched by the spectacle. His bruised cheek 
and swollen lip, the stain that he had himself applied, 
and the garments in which he had clad him to his 
destruction, added to the sunken appearance of his 
1 eye, the total change that had come over liis young 
life, now probably about to experience a violent close, 
smote him with agonizing self-reproach. At the same 
time there was a holy calmness, an elevation of soul 
depicted on the youth’s patient countenance, and a 
tenderness of sympathy in the anxious look he bent 
upon him, that to such a nature as Da Costa’s, was 
irresistible. He looked up to Alick, beseechingly, as 
he took the beverage from his hand, and said, ‘ Dear 
^ Cohen, think again: oh, forsake not the faith of your 
I fathers, nor separate from your scorned, oppressed, 
j persecuted, brethren, still the chosen people of the 
j MostHighl’ 

I ‘ Da Costa, I never loved them as now I do : my 
heart cleaves to them ; and to its last throb, my 
prayer will arise for the welfare of Israel, for the 
peace of Jerusalem, dear, dear Jerusalem, on 'which 
I we have so lately looked, never to behold her again!’ 
Tears filled his eyes, and Da Costa, no less moved, 
was silent. At length he said, ^ Will you listen 
quietly to me, Alick V 


356 


JUDAH S LION. 


‘ I will indeed. 

Da Costa then sought by every argument he could 
call up to shake his faith, and to induce him to recal 
its avowal ; but Alick derived new strength from the 
weakness of his objections, and remained unmoved. 
Night closed, and found them still discussing the 
momentous point : morning returned, and Da Costa 
was restless, yet taciturn, and seemingly revolving in 
his mind some things that greatly discomposed him. 
Alick on the contrary was radiant with hope and joy, 
strengthened by prayer, and marvelling how he could 
so long himself have resisted the truths that he had 
been enabled to set forth to his friend. It was not 
until near noon, that the door of their prison was 
opened, and the usual tasteless mess handed in, of 
which Da Costa insisted that Alick should freely par- 
take, saying, ^ Prepared as it has been by the unclean 
and abominable, I see not how it can contract farther 
defilement. If there be sin in it, let it be counted as 
one of those unhappily anavoidable things for which, 
by the inscrutable decree of God, no means of purifi- 
cation are left to our race.’ 

‘ Whatever sin I commit,’ said Alick, ‘ and truly I 
sin every hour, let it be washed away in the blood 
shed to redeem my soul ! I plead the atoning sacri- 
fice, ever present, ever available to faith ; ever well- 
pleasing to God.’ 

Shortly after this, the same officer who had visited 
them the preceding day entered ; and ordered Alick 
to follow him. ^ God be with you !’ exclaimed the 
youth, as he grasped Da Costa’s hand, but no more 
could he add, being violently pulled away by two 


Judah’s lion. 


357 


soldiers. They had scarcely entered the long passage 
when a messenger met them, acquainting the oificer 
that the governor had entered on an investigation 
likely to last for an hour ; but he replied, ^ Lead on : 
this young dog of a robber shall not return to concert 
a story with the other. They did not expect to be 
examined separately.’ 

Accordingly they proceeded, and Alick found that 
after passing through various covered passages, they 
were ascending to the roof of what seemed a spacious 
house. Stiffened by bruises and cramped by the con- 
finement he had undergone, he found it difficult to 
mount the steep stairs of rugged stone : but once on 
the top, he saw, beneath an awning, an elderly man, 
splendidly habited, smoking his pipe, and hearing the 
particulars of a dispute between two ecclesiastics, 
which had led to an affray. Alick was surprised at 
the number of individuals who found space to stand 
there in groups ; and not a little dazzled and overcome 
by the blaze of the day. He was ordered to stand 
aside, and roughly pushed by his guard to a corner of 
the parapet, whence he looked down, looked round, 
and then, clasping his hands over his eyes, murmured, 
‘ This is Egyptian sorcery !’ 

But again he gazed, and rich, full, overpowering 
was the flood of delight that seemed to roll in upon 
his very soul: he was in Jerusalem, the city of his 
fathers, the city of his God. There stretched along 
her broad eastern wall, and beyond it rose the Mount 
of Olives, with its gently undulating outline, three- 
capped, and sweeping down to the deep valley of Je- 
hoshaphat, sunk far beneath his ken. Northward of 


358 


JUDAH'S LION 


where he stood, was the ancient Salem, the city of 
the Jebusites, and towards the west the well-remem' 
bered tower of Hippicus, David’s Castle, while David’s 
city, crowning the lofty hill of Zion, clustered on the 
south, and spread down the slope to the Tyropoeon 
valley, where he knew the Jewish quarter lay. But 
at this point an object saluted his eyes that made his 
very heart thrill with the strongest emotions it was 
capable of The abomination of desolation stood 
there in the holy place : the superb mosque of Omar, 
glittering with its profuse decorations, occupied the 
site of Solomon’s temple, appropriating to itself the 
wide enclosure of Mount Moriah, which, with the 
Turkish burial-ground, reached to the very foot of the 
dwelling on the top of which Alick was placed. 
With mingled delight, reverence, indignation, and 
horror, he looked upon the spot, never before so com- 
pletely brought before him : the desecration of that 
hallowed ground, the proud crescent gleaming on the 
dome of that magnificent but polluting edifice, filled 
him with anguish, but still it was the ground so unut- 
terably precious to the soul of a Hebrew. There had 
his father Abraham bound the unresisting son of his 
love, and prepared to offer up a sacrifice vividly typi- 
cal of that which was to be offered up for him. There, 
at the threshing-floor of Araunah the Jebusite, had 
David’s intercessory prayer been mercifully accepted, 
and the angel had sheathed his sword, and Jerusalem 
was spared. There, by divine appointment, Solomon 
erected the glorious temple of which the earth has 
never had a rival ; and the thoughts of Alick wandered 
over the tale of Jerusalem’s triumphs, her sins and 


Judah’s lion. 


359 


woes, until all else was but a dream to him. Finally, 
he cast his eye on the mysterious gateway leading di- 
rectly towards the mount, which has for so many gen- 
erations been closed, built up with stones ; according 
to Ezekiel’s prophecy, “ shut ” — for there the God of 
Israel had entered, when descending the Mount of 
Olives He came into the temple, “ meek and lowly, 
and having salvation, riding upon an ass,” but herald- 
ed by triumphant shouts, Avith branches of the palm 
and garments strewn in his path, and welcomed by 
the hosannas of his chosen ones. Alick well remem- 
bered hearing Captain Ryan speak of that closed gate 
in connexion both with the past and the future ; and 
his heart swelled with transporting joy as he hailed in 
silent songs of praise, the King of Zion as his King, 
his Saviour, his own present hope, and the future glory 
of his people Israel. Where was the sadness that 
but a few days since had weighed down his soul when 
looking on Zion ? It was gone ; and by faith in the 
Son of God he Avas enabled to see, as if already pre- 
sent, the peace, the prosperity of that beloved city. 
Promise after promise broke upon him, till, uncon- 
scious of all but the theme that engrossed him, the 
poor prisoner’s face Avas mantled Avith smiles, and 
shone with the radiance of unclouded joy. Of the 
lapse of time he A\'as as little conscious as of the pre- 
sence of his captors, his guards, his judge, and proba- 
ble executioners. His Jerusalem Avas before him. in 
all the brightness of that latter-day glory Avhich he 
knew to be near at hand 5 and in the contemplation 
of his redeeming, returning Messiah, it seemed a small 
matter to him whether he Avas immediately called 


360 


JTJDAH^S L10«. 


into His presence by sudden death, or left to declare 
among his friends and kindred what great things 
Jesus had done for him, and to occupy till he should 
again come. But though regardless of all others, he 
was not himself disregarded: a superior officer, in 
the Egyptian uniform, but by no means of Egyptian 
cast of countenance, was attentively watching him ; 
and when Abekas turn came to be led forward, and 
accused before the Aga, he too approached, an inter- 
ested observer of all that was going on. 


CHAPTER XXil. 


The charge brought against Alick was soon spoken : 
Abdalla’s guilt being a notorious thing, it was only 
necessary to state that the Pasha’s soldiers had un- 
expectedly fallen in with him and his gang, all of 
whom escaped, with the exception of two, who were 
captured, and brought into Jerusalem. One, it was 
mentioned, had been wounded, and him they had not 
brought up for examination ; but the other now 
produced, though he made a desperate resistance, was 
captured unhurt. To this the officer added, that to 
avoid being questioned, the prisoners had denied all 
knowledge of Abdalla, pretending to be travellers 
under his guidance. 

Without raising his eyes to the prisoner, the 
governor asked whether he was known to have been 
a party to the robbery : to which the officer replied, 
there was no doubt of it. 

Alick had some difficulty in making out the exact 
meaning of what was said ; and in a matter of life 
and death, he thought it but fair to ask for an inter- 
preter ; a request that excited the utmost indignation 
on the part of his accusers ; the judge did not seem 
to hear it, but at this moment the stranger who had 
so attentively eyed him, stepped forward ; and with a 
respectful obeisance, repeated it to him. He asked, 
31 


362 


JUDAH S LION. 


‘ What needs the Bedouin ? Do we not speak with 
the tongue of his people V i 

‘ I am no Bedouin,’ said Alick, ‘ I am a Jew: and 
I believe,’ he added, while a deep colour mounted to 
kiS brow^ as he glanced toward the Mount of Ohves, 

‘ I believe in Jesus of Nazareth.’ 

To describe the effect of these words on his audi 
tors is impossible. Epithets of astonishment, scorn, j 
detestation, were uttered on all sides, as loud as theii i 
respect for the chief man would permit. He, too, 
exclaimed, ^ By Allah he speaks lies !’ and for the 
first time looked him in the face, then muttered, ‘ A 
boy!’ and seemed more ruffled than was his wont on 
occasions of greater moment. Alick had never in his 
life felt so happy as when the avowal at once of his 
race and his faith had passed his lips: he paused for | 
a moment, and in the same clear, calm tone, added, ' 
‘ I am also an Englishman.’ ij 

A laugh of exultation burst from his captors and J 
the bystanders, who supposed his conviction now |i 
inevitable ; and the Aga himself smiled, when twd or I 
three of his attendants, pointing to the tall Egyptiai ■ 
officer already noticed, said, ^ Speak in English to ! 
him!’ and with no small alacrity Alick turned to 
him, saying, ‘ If, sir, you speak in the language of my j 

native land, I crave your good offices in repeating to j 
me the substance of the evidence brought against me. 

I am guiltless in this matter, as I hope, with your 
kind assistance, now to prove.’ . 

^ You have injured your cause,’ rejoined the other, | 
hurriedly, ‘ by the indiscreet admission of being — what ^ 
you say you are : and what indeed you cannot be j i 


Judah’s lion. 


363 


for the two are incompatible.’ He turned abruptly 
from him, and communicated in a very low voice 
with the governor, at some length. The latter seemed 
wavering, and his attendants evidently excited in no 
small measure. One, whose office it was to inflict 
the punishment of the bastinado, had prepared a long 
leather strap, which he drew impatiently through his 
fingers, while others, by catching Alick’s eye, and 
directing his attention towards it, with looks and ges- 
tures of extreme satisfaction, indicated that he was 
about to sufler that torture. He flinched a little ; but 
the thought immediately.arose, ^ He who here suflered 
far more grievous pain and indignity for me, will 
surely strengthen me to endure whatever He sees 
good I should encounter. I have confessed his Name ; 
and that confession it is that has incensed these poor 
followers of an impostor against me. Oh that they 
knew what I know ! Oh that my own people Israel 
knew it ! It was there, on that blessed mountain He 
stood, when weeping over Jerusalem ; it was here his 
pitying eye re.sted, when he lamented their perverse 
rejection of his sheltering love, and foreshewed the 
desolations that I witness. May He take me, a poor, 
sinful, worthless creature, under the wings that he 
longed to spread over my fathers !’ Tears filled his 
eyes, as with that love of which the world knows 
nothing, he looked around him, and above ; the un- 
provoked enemies who were themselves but tools in 
the hands of Satan, to harass this solitary young 
believer, exulted in the supposition that fear for what 
'hey were about to inflict on him was the source of 
>^bose gathering tears j and impatiently they awaited 


364 


Judah’s lion. 


the result of their chief’s lengthened conference with 
the volunteer interpreter. 

He was an Englishman ; an adventurei who had 
entered the service of Mohammed Ali, and for the 
promotion of his worldly advantage had exchanged 
his nominal Christianity for equally nominal Islamism. 
His rank in the infidel army was not high, nor did he 
seek an elevation that would have surrounded him 
with envious rivals ; but the actual influence obtained 
by a judicious application of much worldly, scientific, 
professional, and political knowledge, stood him in 
more stead than comparative rank would have done. 
So far was he from seeking notoriety, that few were 
aware of his history. He was a favourite with those 
in power ; who by craving nothing for himself, and 
being ready to do a good-natured thing for others, 
escaped much jealousy, and enjoyed a fair measure of 
popular good-will. He had taken a liking to Alick 
Cohen, before he knew more of him than that he was 
a prisoner, accused by one of the darkest, most ma- 
lignant of the officials ; and the discovery of his Eng* 
hsh birth, following as it did on an avowal so exceed- 
ingly honest and fearless, respecting his race and his 
religion, altogether completely engaged Ali Musta 
pha’s interest on his behalf 

The conversation ended by an order being given to 
conduct the prisoner wheresoever this renegade might 
direct; he making himself accountable for his safe 
custody till the charge should be settled, established^ 
or disproved. 

Alick was, therefore, again hurried away, and to 
his dismay found that he was not returning to his for 


JUDAH S LION. 


365 


prison ; earnestly he implored to be allowed, if 
b'^vt for a moment’s time, to revisit his wounded friend; 
it was useless : and when he found himself lodged in 
a comparatively comfortable room, with a stool, a 
table, and a rude camp-bed, he looked with dissatis- 
faction on the contrast, and earnestly desired he could 
transport every indulgence to the narrow, dull, damp 
prison of Da Costa. When the person, whom he 
could not but regard as his deliverer, visited him, he 
followed up his expressions of gratitude by an earnest 
intercession for his friend. ‘ He too is English,’ he 
said, ‘ and equally innocent with myself in this mat- 
ter. He is wounded, suffering greatly, ignorant of 
where we are, and will be miserable under the appre- 
hensions that my continued absence will occasion ; I 
beseech you, let me be with him.’ 

‘ Is he older than yourself?’ 

^ Fes — a dozen years I should say, at least’ 

^ Then he probably misled you. How came you 
under the guardianship of that worthy Abdalla?’ 

Alick told him, suppressing all particulars concern- 
ing the precise object of their journey ; and Mustapha 
remarked, ^ He certainly rnust have known the cha- 
racter of the Bedouin, and now he must take the 
consequences of what he has brought upon himself 
and you, by this senseless disguise. But what induced 
you to make such a singular statement of your reli- 
gion? Did you imagine that in Jerusalem the name 
of Jew would have helped your case ? The very last 
to do so.’ 

‘ But I am a Jew ; no drop of Gentile blood is in* 

31 * 


366 


JUDAH S LION. 


termingled with that of my race ; and would you hav« 
me deny or conceal that fact V 

“Well; grant that you felt bound to declare it, 
surely the other and contradictory assertion of being 
also a Christian, was, at least, ill-judged.’ 

‘ Do you then doubt the reality of my belief in the 
Messiah of Israel, who here suffered for our sins, and 
shall here return in great glory for our deliverance and 
ultimate triumph? Are you not yourself, as a Chris- 
tian, rejoicing in that hope, and will you not receive, 
as a returning brother, a penitent, believing son of 
Abraham V 

He held out his hand to the renegade, who, taking 
it, good-humouredly, though with some embarrass- 
ment, said, ^ Jew or Christian, Mussulman or Brah- 
min, each man is, or calls himself, what best suits his 
own mind, whether from habit, or from finding that 
he may advantageously depart from his accustomed 
path. I hold no man in greater or less respect for 
what he calls himself If you are returning (suppos- 
ing we get you out of this awkward position) to En 
gland, no doubt your prospects will be much advanced 
by embracing the ascendant form ; but have you any 
particular tie there ? A fine field of enterprise lies 
open here in the East — opportunities worth grasping 
at ; fame, distinction, emolument, in prospect and pos- 
session a vast deal more than the cold, dull routine of 
English life holds out. I have had the luck so far to 
be useful to you, for I verily believe they would have 
put you to death, or inflicted some horrible punish- 
ment upon you, without giving you time or opportu- 
nity to apprize any person of your doom ; and now I 


JUDAH S LION. 


367 


can guarantee your safety, I think, if your inclination 
turns to the path I have pointed out, otherwise it is 
doubtful.’ 

‘ Do you mean the Egyptian service V asked Ahck, 
in surprise. 

Yes: as an officer, with every prospect of rapid 
advancement’ 

‘ A Jewish officer in command of Egyptian Mussul- 
mans ! Surely that would be a strange anomaly,’ 
said Alick, smiling at the wildness of the proposal.’ 

‘ You are no longer a Jew; you have renounced 
that form for the religion of England : and by an 
easier transition, cancelling that, you might assimilate 
yourself to the predominant faith of the East.’ 

Alick answered not ; he was utterly confounded 
by what wore so much the aspect of a jest or an in- 
sult, that he knew not how to regard it. He fixed 
a look on his companion, the intenseness of which 
made him shrink a little, but he preserved his com- 
posure, and proceeded : ^ To turn Christian, sounds 
very proper in European ears ; to turn Turk far 
otherwise ; but with us the reverse prevails ; you 
must divest yourself of all early prejudices — as indeed 
you have done in one instance, and by the same pro- 
cess you may overcome a different set of prejudices. 
I had some trouble in it, therefore I do not expect 
you to enter all at once into my views for your ad- 
vantage.’ 

‘ Have you, sir, renounced Christianity for Islam- 
ism V asked Ahck, still regarding him with the same 
fixed look. 


368 


judah’s lion. 


‘ I have, sir,’ ans’wered the other, eyeing him 
sternly. 

‘ And do you really believe in Mahomet as the in- 
spired prophet of God V 

‘ Believe ! what I believe is no man’s business: I 
profess myself his obedient servant, as I should pro- 
fess myself your’s, sir, if I was addressing you by 
letter ; but what measure of obedient service I might 
choose to render to him or to you remains at my own 
option. The language is every thing you or he can 
require. But come, time is short, and yours may be 
particularly so, if I don’t take better care of your 
interests than you seem disposed to do. I shall leave 
you now to consider, first giving you a short summary 
of the good things into present possession of which, 
as a devout young Mussulman, you may forthwith 
enter, and take a full swing, in the gay sunshine of 
youth. First’ 

‘ Don’t begin numbering your thirty pieces of silver,’ 
interruped Alick, whose disgust and indignation could 
no longer be restrained. ‘ There was one Jew found 
sufficiently infamous to sell his Lord ; there may have 
been others — I hope not — but if the whole world con- 
spired to sell Him, I will be no party to the sacrile- 
gious compact. What are all the joys of earth to the 
joy my heart has known since it hailed him its king 
and God ! Tempt me no more ; a thousand deaths 
would be preferable to such foul apostacy.’ 

‘Boy !’ said the other, ‘ I will not chastize you for 
this. Nay, more ; knowing as I do the horrors of the 
fate that awaits you, 1 will even pass it over as the 
raving of a mind overheated by excitement, and un- 


jtjdah's lion. 


369 


nerved by fatigue. Here I leave you, to refresh your- 
self by proper food and rest ; which is all I could gain 
liberty to do for you. It is well for you that I am not 
the fanatic you are, or feign to be.’ He turned ab- 
ruptly and left him. 

His departure was a great relief to Alick, who felt 
something akin to fear mingling with the horror that 
the renegade’s cool avowals inspired him with : a fear 
lest, by any means, he might be given over to enter- 
tain the suggestions of the enemy who had attacked 
him in such an unexpected shape. ^ Apostacy is a 
fearful thing indeed,’ thought he ; and then the con- 
viction flashed upon him, that as he regarded this 
man, even so must Da Costa and his own people re- 
gard him. The thought afflicted him greatly, ^ How 
gently, how patiently my poor friend dealt with me, 
under what must have been a grievous provocation in 
his sight ! but he could not suspect me of the base, 
worldly motives in which this wretched man glories. 
Oh that I could express to Da Costa the joy and 
peace that my soul finds in believing ! Yet I never 
could do so ; for when others spoke to me of it, as 
experienced by themselves, I could form no concep- 
tion of its reality or power. It is a gift that no man 
can share with his brother : I will pray to Him who 
bestows it, that all who are most dear to me may 
partake in its sweetness.’ He did so ; and his prayer, 
embracing first his own nation, gradually extended 
until he was earnestly engaged in pleading for the 
renegade. He rose, after a long while thus occu- 
pied ; and never perhaps did he desire any thing so 
fervently as then he desired the luxury of pen, ink, 


870 


Judah’s lion. 


and paper, wherewith to record the wonderful thin^ - 
wrought for, and in his soul ; hut this was unattain- 
able, as also was the next object of his wishes — a 
Bible. His thoughts thus compelled to remain con- 
centrated on one point, retraced his whole progress, 
from early childhood ; and very many were the trans- 
gressions brought to mind, for every one of which he 
pleaded the atoning power of the one great offering 
for sin ; while the links that formed the chain of his 
destiny, in arriving at the present point, each drew 
forth a renewed ascription of praise. It was pleasant 
thus to commune with his own heart, in his little 
prison-chamber, and to be so still. Tranquillity, 
cheerfulness, stole over his spirit ; he seemed to have 
no care, no fear: all was peace and love. Even 
when he thought on the condition of his people, out- 
cast from their country, and still under the frown of 
their God, hope brightened the scene ; for he doubted 
not the speedy fulfilment to them of every promise 
recorded, and which he now strove to number up, 
again, most ardently wishing he possessed the Word 
of God — he felt that to study it would be a feast in- 
deed. 

Suddenly a thought struck him : there was a 
grating at the upper part of the wall, forming a win- 
dow, sufficiently large to make the apartment very 
light and cheerful. Alick moved his table, and 
placing on it the stool on which he had sat, he cau- 
tiously mounted without noise. His hope was re- 
alized: he had a very full view of the Mount of 
Ohves, rising, as it were, close before him, though 
the Turkish burying-ground lay between him and the 


JUDAH S LION. 


37i 


eastern wall, and he knew the deep valley of the 
i Kedron sank low beyond it. To his extreme right 
he could just, by pressing his face to the bars, catch a 
, glimpse ol a corner of the Mosque of Omar. 

' What visions of the past crowded on the young 
:! Jew’s thoughtful spirit as his eye traced that hallowed 
!i boundary! He saw, in inr agination, that wonder of 
the whole earth, the temple of Solomon, occupying 
I the ground, Israel’s wise king engaged in the dedica- 
1 tion of that house of prayer: how many thousands 
spread upon the overhanging hill, and covering, no 
I doubt, the spot where then he rested, while the cloud 
at the Lord’s presence descended to fill the spacious 
building, and overpower the ministering priests with 
the majesty of His revealed glory. Again, he saw 
amid the shades of night the dim wrecks of that gor- 
geous temple, seared, and broken, and desolate ; 
while the bold, faithful, enterprising Nehemiah rode 
forth alone to explore the ruins, and mature his secret 
plan for rebuilding the holy city. His eye fell on the 
closed eastern gate, the “ golden gate” of scripture, 
and he saw a greater than Solomon approaching in 
meek majesty, his eye yet moist with the tear^ of 
divine compassion shed over the devoted city, which 
refused to know the things belonging to her peace. 
‘ The gate is shut,’ thought Alick, ‘ according to Eze- 
kiel, because the God of Israel hath entered thereby. 
It is shut, and what an awful landmark it forms I At 
once a witness to the past, and an earnest of the 
future, a testimony against my people, and a door of 
assured hope for them and for the whole world, — how 
eloquent is that blank, silent wall I The' tabernacle 


372 


JUDAH S LION. 


of God is fallen down, but He will rebuild it — the 
sanctuary is polluted, but He will cleanse it — ‘the do- 
minion is taken away, but only till He come, whose 
right it is. Then, as surely as the army of Sennache- 
rib lay round about this city, dead and dishonoured 
corpses, so surely shall every enemy of our heavenly 
King be slain before him. This spot to my right was 
the threshing-floor of Araunah the Jebusite : to my 
left rose the ancient city of Melchisedeck, the Jerusa- 
lem towards which the angel stretched forth his 
drawn sword: — Oh, when will the angels of God 
again throng about our city, while the Lord rejoices 
over us to do good for ever and ever !’ 

In such thoughts he passed the time, unconscious 
of its lapse, until the noise of approaching footsteps 
startled him ; and fearing to be deprived of his pre- 
sent privilege, he hastily descended, replaced the 
table, and seated himself as before. An attendant 
entered ; a mild-looking old man, habited in a loose, 
Turkish dress, quite refreshing to Alick’s sight, after 
the pepetual flash of weapons to which he had lately 
been accustomed, and placed in his hand a billet, on 
which was written — ^You must need refreshment; 
follow the bearer, who will conduct you to a bath, 
and supply a change of clothing, after which I wish 
to see you again.’ The latter part of the communica- 
tion was less welcome than the former ; but Alick 
rose, and followed the old man, who led him in silence 
to a small, but commodious bath, and pointing to 
some apparel, heaped on a couch, left him. The ab- 
lution was delightful, and not the less so from the 
effect it produced in removing the stain from his skin. 


JUDAH S LION. 


378 


He gladly threw aside his vest, and soiled Bedouin 
habiliments, and selecting the simplest articles from 
those before him, which approached to the European 
costume, he soon finished his toilet, and rapping 
smartly at the door where his attendant had dis- 
appeared, was answered by the entrance of another, 
who motioned him to proceed, following him, until they 
reached a moderate-sized, but most luxuriously-fur- 
nished apartment, filled with fragrance, at the farther 
end of which reclined Ali Mustapha, in a careless, 
but costly dishabille, smoking a long Turkish pipe, 
and before him a small table, covered with delicious 
fruits, and, evidently, rich wines, together with some 
more substantial viands, half veiled by fresh leaves 
thrown lightly over it. 

Uncertain how he would be received, Alick ad- 
vanced, gravely, and with a feeling of cautious reserve. 
He paused before reaching the table, and Mustapha 
said, ^ Come, Mr. Prisoner, sit down, and refresh your- 
self before we proceed to other business.’ 

He spoke in a playful tone, and Alick, with marked 
seriousness, answered, ^ I am indeed a prisoner, sir; 
and a prisoner’s fare is more suitable to me than what 
is now spread before me.’ 

‘ Pho ! you are too young to philosophize in that 
fashion — much younger, indeed, than I imagined. 
You have suffered great privations too, and a little 
solacing will not be amiss.’ 

^ My privations have been more than shared by the 
dear comrade, who under the additional infliction of 
a severe wound, still hes, helpless, friendless, perhaps 
dying in a dungeon. Extend to him the 
32 


even now 


374 


JUDAH S LION. 


Kindness you have shown to me, and I shall be better 
solaced than by all the good cheer your hospitality has 
provided.’ 

‘ You talk as if I was the Governor of Jerusalem, 
or Ibrahim Pasha himself I have no power to do 
more than treat you with a little humanity, while you 
remain under my care. So eat, drink, and be merry. 
For this one evening we will forget all but good fel- 
lowship.’ 

Alick saw the snare spread for him ; at least, he 
saw reason to guard vigilantly against falling into a 
snare ; while the thought that the house in which he 
was, bordered on, if it did not actually form part of the 
site of the temple where his fathers had worshipped 
the Lord in the beauty of holiness, and to which 
nothing unclean might approach, roused within him a 
feeling that added energy and dignity to his reply. 

‘ You have shown me much kindness, sir, and proved, 
both by words and deeds, that you believe me guilt- 
less of what I am charged with. My friend is equally 
innocent ; and he too is a son of Abraham, an heir, 
though alas! as yet excluded from his inheritance, 
of all that God gave unto our fathers, in this good 
land^ and this holy city. As our fathers were, we too 
are just now in bondage to the Egyptian ; and but 
for your English feeling, excited on my behalf, we 
should both fare as ill as they did. On whatever 
plea you interposed for me, that plea is equally ap- 
plicable to him : I will thankfully share any favour 
shown to Da Costa ; but beyond the welcome re 
freshment of your bath, your change of raiment, oi 


Judah's lion. 


375 


the liberty of thus interceding for him, I can accept 
nothing.’ 

^ Well, sit down, for I am still too much the Eng- 
lishman to loll here while my guest stands.’ 

Alick immediately seated himself 

^ And now take a glass of wine with me.’ 

‘ Pardon me, I cannot- — and I will not,’ he added, 
with determined resolution, as the other filled a glass, 
and pushed it towards him. 

‘ Take my word for it, Mr. ; I have not the 

pleasure of knowing your name — what am I to call 
you V 

‘ My name is Nathan Alexander Cohen.’ 

‘ Well, Mr. Cohen, take my word for it, you will 
need some bodily nerve to carry you through what 
may happen to-morrow, and which you don’t seem 
disposed to avert.’ 

^ Whatever strength is needed, that I shall obtain,’ 
said Alick. 

^ Whence is it to come V 

^ From the Father of Mercie.s, the God of Israel, in 
answer to prayer, which will be heard and granted for 
the sake of His dear Son.’ 

‘ Have you been baptized V 

‘ No !’ 

‘ That’s a pity ; for, standing as you do between 
two religions, you may chance to fall, and get no help 
from either.’ 

This was said jeeringly, in evident ill-humour, and 
Alick made no reply, but lifted his heart in prayer. 

After some moments of gloomy silence, the officer 
said, ‘ To be short and plain with you, Mr. Cohen ; 


376 


Judah’s lion. 


I obtained the present indulgenee under a wrong im- 
pression, and thought you a fine, undaunted young 
fellow, who would prefer a career of honourable en- 
terprise to the bastinado and the bowstring, and on 
that supposition I got leave to parley with you. If 
you continue in this mood, I can do no more ; we must 
to-morrow resume our former position — you a captured 
Arab robber ; I an officer of the Pasha’s army, wholly 
unconnected with your affairs!’ 

‘ But you know me to be an English subject, no Arab, 
and no robber. You will surely aid me to appeal to 
the British consul, or communicate with my friends.’ 

‘ I am prohibited from so doing. It was on this 
condition that I obtained for you a respite from the 
fate then impending. I incurred personal hazard to 
serve you so far : beyond it I cannot go but at a far 
greater risk.’ 

^ In that case, I can say no more : I had better re- 
turn to my prison.’ 

^ Yet consider well, or conviction may arrive too 
late. The Aga holds your life in his hand — his word 
is fate.’ 

‘ The hand that holds my life,’ answered Alick, ‘is 
no mortal hand. If it be His will to dehver me to 
death, none can save ; if it be His will to preserve, 
none can harm me. He has given me the precious 
assurance, that none coming to Him shall be cast out ; 
and since I have been drawn, and have come to Him, 
I know that to me the promise is sure. He wiU raise 
me up at the last day.’ 

‘ You preach so well, you had better live to follow 


JUDAH S LION. 


377 


your vocation in the Pasha’s service. If not a soldier, 
you 'Would make a capital muezzim.’ 

‘ I know,’ said Alick, ‘ the tyranny, cruelty, and ca- 
price of those whom you serve, too well, to desire you 
should incur the possibility of offending them to serve 
me ; or I might work successfully on your English 
feelings to attempt it. I refrain from so doing, in the 
earnest hope that you may be spared to repent. Not 
all the luxuries that surround you here, not all the 
distinctions, in wealth, title, fame, that you may ac- 
quire, can avail you in the eternity that is to come. 
O, consider this, ere it be too late ; look around you, 
and recal what He suffered to redeem the soul you 
are destroying, who passed even here a life of sorrow, 
and died a death of shame. Repent, and return ; for 
the Lord has no pleasure in the death of him that 
dieth, but rather that he turn from his evil way and 
live. 

The renegade had risen fiercely, when the youth 
began ; he now stood, frowning and muttering, but 
made no reply. A signal brought back the attendant, 
who touched Alick’s shoulder and motioned to him to 
retire. He proceeded a few steps, then turned and 
said, ^ May I go to my friend V 

^ No !’ was the answer ; and the attendant, startled 
by the angry tone, hurried him away. 

Once more in his place of confinement, Alick 
breathed freely j he had not done so in the perfumed 
atmosphere of the sumptuous apartment. Before he 
had been locked in many minutes, a man of very dif- 
ferent aspect from any he had seen there entered, set 
before him some coarse bread and water, and point- 
32 * 


378 


JUDAH^S LION. 


ing to his Arab dress, which had been brought and 
deposited on the bed, left him again alone. His 
miserable meal was eaten with new relish, his dress 
changed again, and after a little time spent in pros- 
trate prayer, he was at his high window, communing 
with the past, and realizing the future. Thoughts of 
home, of the Ryans, and even more painfully of Da 
Costa, would interpose ; but they were as light sum- 
mer-clouds crossing the sunshine of his spirit He 
watched till nightfall, then tranquilly slept till day ; 
and seeing how hopeless was the plan of an appeal to 
the English consulate from the sentence of those who 
were resolved to regard and to treat him as a plun- 
dering Arab, in the dress of whom he was evidently 
required again to appear, he resolved to leave his 
cause in higher hands, and to stay his mind where it 
would be kept in perfect peace. 

Towards noon, his former guard appeared, and 
with exulting looks and scoffing words, hurried him 
along. The scene that he so yearned to behold once 
more was not now the place of judgment ; instead 
of the roof of the house, he found himself in a wide, 
but low and uncomfortable apartment, only the far- 
ther end being temporarily fitted up for the Aga’s 
deputy, who was surrounded by officers, and near him 
the executioners, with their instruments of varied 
cruelty and death. No interpreter was there ; and 
Alick felt that his doom was sealed ; while the rude 
hurry prevailing in every quarter showed that scarcely 
even the semblance of a trial awaited him. His old 
accuser approached the deputy, and speaking so fast 
and low that not a sentence could be distinctly heard 


Judah’s lion. 


379 


stt the distance where Alick stood, he told his tale, 
frequently pointing .to the prisoner, while others occa- 
sionally assented, corroborating his lying evidence. 
The deputy gaVe a divided attention, half engaged in 
a whispering conversation with another official, who 
stood behind him : and soon uttered some words, which 
included Alick’ s sentence, for the soldiers eagely closed 
around, and one of the executioners, seizing his arms, 
commenced binding them. A sort of avenue was 
formed to the door by which he had entered, and 
along this he was roughly dragged ; but a’ sudden stir 
took place near the deputy’s seat, the tapestry that 
hung round the recess was somewhat violently drawn 
aside, and the Aga himself appeared. Alick’ s pro- 
gress was arrested by command ; the deputy was 
speedily displaced, and his chief enstalled ; and when 
the prisoner was led back, he saw not only the Gov- 
ernor of Jerusalem, but the English consul, two naval 
officers in the uniform of the Lion Isle, and behind 
them, with eyes almost starting out of their sockets, 
the honest, weather-beaten face of his first friend, the 
Gunner. 


CHAPTER XXIII 


‘ Now, to examine this Arab,’ — said the English 
consul ; when Alick, his countenance shaded by the 
red shawl that the rude eagerness of the executioners 
had so shifted as almost to cover his face, was again 
led towards the divan. 

‘ No Arab !’ exclaimed one of the English officers, 
as Alick pushed back the covering with his fettered 
arm and eagerly gazed on Gordon ; who, clasping, or 
rather clapping his hands, in unspeakable agitation, 
cried out, ‘ It is himself! Mr. Cohen, my dear young 
Mr. Cohen I’ and was proceeding, when silence was 
commanded, and the Aga, turning to the consul, bade 
him question the prisoner. 

This was soon done ; and a little cross-questioning 
of the accusers, proved that they had no shadow of 
evidence to oppose to Alick’ s assertions. He was 
unbound, and a formal demand made for Da Costa, 
to which a communication was returned, that seemed 
to satisfy the consul. Some forms were gone through, 
happily expedited by the same press of business that 
had hurried Alick’ s condemnation, and he was, almost 
before he knew how the change took place, a free 
man, in the streets of Jerusalem, with the merry cheers 
of the young Englishmen testifying their triumph, in 
spite of the consul’s admonitions. Gordon had no 


judah’s lion. 


381 


voice to cheer with ; his joy at Alick’s re'scue had been 
increased to such overpowering delight by the youth’s 
fervent ejaculatory thanksgiving, which he offered in 
the name of the Redeemer, adding, ‘ The very Pas- 
chal Lamb, the Lion of the tribe of Judah!’ — then 
clasping the old sailor’s hand, he pointed to the 
Mount, saying. There He will come with clouds, 
and every eye shall see him, and they also which 
pierced him ; but I shall not wail ; for he is my Lord 
and my God — the Rock of my salvation, and my sure 
Refuge.” Then turning to the consul he repeated 
his thanks, for this unaccountable interposition, as he 
termed it ; and anxiously enquired whether they 
should not proceed at once to Da Costa’s prison. 

^ No,’ replied the consul ; ^ some little delay must 
take place in his liberation, hut you may be satisfied 
as to his safety.’ 

‘ How did you discover our situation 1 I am puz- 
zled to account for it’ 

‘ Why,’ said one of the officers, ^ we actually went 
as your accusers, heartily glad of your impending fate, 
and dreaming of anything rather than a rescue. Three 
days since, we were on an excursion, and passed 
through a party, who, I believe, had you under arrest’ 

^ Yes, we were bound and guarded ; and my invo- 
luntary exclamation on recognizing Gordon, procured 
me the blow that has so disfigured my mouth.’ 

‘ The rascals I It is well for some of them, and 
perhaps for us, that we did not discover you then. 
We proceeded, and soon after arrived at a place 
where it was clear a combat of some kind had oc- 
curred, not without bloodshed. At a little distance 


382 


judah’s lion. 


from this, we halted to refresh ourselves ; and Gordon 
straying along a beaten, hut secluded track, suddenly 
shouted so loud, as to bring us presently to his side. 
He had found several small articles which seemed to 
have been shaken, or otherwise dislodged, from a 
camel’s pack ; and among them a Hebrew Bible, 
with your name in it. I never saw a man more 
moved — nothing would satisfy him but a hot pursuit 
in that direction, until it happily occurred to us that 
the Pasha’s men and their Bedouin prisoners must 
necessarily have come straight from the scene of 
combat; having just passed by us. We carefully 
traced the camel’s footsteps — for apparently there was 
but one — back to that spot ; here we lost it in the con- 
fused tramp of horses, and other symptoms of a 
melee. We held a council of war, and decided on 
an immediate return to Jerusalem, where, with the 
consul’s help, who at first was absent, but on his re- 
turn bestirred himself most actively, we ascertained 
that two Bedouin robbers had been brought in, under 
the circumstances, and at the time we concluded you 
must have arrived. To-day we, by great and perse- 
vering importunity, saw the Aga ; and it was to ex- 
tort from you some tidings of yourself,- whom we sup- 
posed to have been murdered or spirited away, that 
we prevailed on the worthy Governor to summon you 
back, though in the way to execution, until we should 
narrowly question you.’ 

^ And how am I to thank you, gentlemen, for all 
this noble, generous devotion to the cause of an insig- 
nificant stranger?’ 

‘ Nay, if you have any thanks to bestow, give them 


Judah’s lion. 


383 


to Gordon. I believe the fellow would have blown 
our brains out, if we had even hesitated in the 
matter.’ 

^ No, no, sir,’ said the Gunner, ^you were both as 
earnest in the matter as though Mr. Cohen had been 
your dearest friend. I crave your forgiveness for my 
many freedoms of speech and action during the time : 
and from the bottom of my heart I thank you for your 
condescension, in permitting me to follow you on this 
excursion, through a land that for many a year I had 
longed to see, little thinking that the very indulgence 
of my wish would have brought with it such a blessed 
privilege as this, in helping to rescue one of the royal 
race of Jacob on the very soil of his fathers!’ He 
shrank again into the rear, to hide the emotion that 
overpowered him. 

‘ The poor fellow absolutely idolizes you,’ whisper- 
ed one of the officers to Ahck : ^ I never saw such de- 
voted affection. He cried like a child over your 
Bible, and would fain have read it, from the wrong 
end, backwards like English, but none of us knew a 
letter of the character. We got leave for him from 
Beyrout, where his ship and our’s are, to accompany 
us on this trip, for his enthusiasm is quite piquant ; 
and indeed we have learned more of sacred history 
in a few days from him, than ever we learned in all 
our lives before. He spoke of you more than once, 
before our adventure, in d way that partly accounted 
for his agitation on finding the Bible. I believe no 
earthly event could have delighted him like your 
rescue.’ 

‘ And to no earthly hand would I so gladly owe it,* 


384 


judah’s lion. 


exclaimed Alick, deeply moved : ^ he has been mainly 
instrumental in effecting for me a far greater de- 
liverance.’ 

^ Indeed ! he never told us of it It must be singu- 
larly remarkable to he greater than this.’ 

Alick felt the difficulty of making the avo'wal to 
man who evidently had no feeling of spiritual things ; 
but he would not keep silence. Raising his voice, to 
be heard by all the party he said, ‘ What is the death 
of the body, to the death of the soul ? I, a sinful son 
of Abraham, was living without hope and under a 
curse, because without any faith in that Seed of Abra- 
ham in whom only, we, and all the nations of the 
earth are blessed. Here, my fathers crucified their 
King, their Messiah, their Almighty Deliverer ; and 
I, in equal unbelief, rejected Him — Him who alone 
can save ! It was Gordon who induced me to study 
the Scriptures that testify of Him, and by the Scrip- 
tures I was led — not without human help, but still 
mainly by the Scriptures, to receive the testimony of 
God concerning His Son, Jesus of Nazareth, whom 
I acknowledge to be the King, the divine King of 
Israel.’ 

‘Then you have renounced Judaism?’ said the 
younger officer, with an aspect of surprise and some 
pleasure. 

‘Renounced Judaism? Never! Jesus never dis- 
owned it, his Apostles never renounced it ; why then 
should I? To be a Hebrew is my privilege, my 
glory, my joy. I am sealed in my flesh with the seal 
of God’s precious promises to Israel concerning this 
land, which is our’s by His gift, and to which He will 


Judah’s lion. 


385 


yet restore us openly : I hope to be sealed also with 
the seal of His spiritual promises in Christ Jesus, which 
is baptism, but not to do away with the privileges of 
circumcision, which are also mine by a covenant that 
shall never he broken.’ 

Gordon’s countenance glowed with delight; the 
others looked rather bewildered, but much interested; 
and the elder officer said, ‘ I doubt whether the clergy 
will allow you to hold these things together : they 
will say you put new wine in an old bottle — a new 
piece on an old garment.’ 

^ Then they will say wrong,’ answered Alick. ‘ If 
Israel, as a nation, was to be lost among the nations 
of the earth, if this our holy and beloved city was to 
continue in the hands of Gentile people, infidels or 
believers, then, I admit, a Jew embracing the faith 
of the Gospel might cease, in outward distinctions, to 
be a Jew. But we know the contrary ; we know that 
the land is our’s by a covenant for ever; and we are 
bound not to despise the gift of God, nor to cast from 
us the distinctions that he has been pleased to establish 
between us and other people.’ 

‘But it is far from being an admitted fact, that 
such distinction is to continue in your converted state. 
You have been kept distinct, as a sort of living testi- 
mony to the truth of God’s threatenings, while for 
seventeen hundred years your people have been — 
pardon me — outcast and despised, a monument of 
divine indignation.’ 

^ Ay, most true,’ said Alick, with great animation ; 
< and we shall be kept distinct as a living testimony 
to the truth of God’s promises, restored, and in the 
33 


386 


JUDAH'S LION. 


sight 01 all people made a monument of divine mercy 
and love.’ 

Gordon, trembling with emotion, put into his hand 
a small Bible, pointing out something, that Adick 
immediately and exultingly read. ^ Moreover, the 
word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying, Con- 
siderest thou not what this people have spoken, saying, 
The two families which the Lord hath chosen, he 
hath even cast them off? Thus they have despised 
my people, that they should be no more a nation 
before them. Thus saith the Lord, If my covenant be 
not with day and night, and if I have not appointed 
the ordinances of heaven and earth ; then will I cast 
away the seed of Jacob, and David my servant, so 
that I will not take any of his seed to be rulers over 
the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob : for I will 
cause their captivity to return, and have mercy on 
them.” 

Hitherto the group had remained, alone and unno- 
ticed, in one of the desolate streets of Jerusalem: 
strangers, however, approached, and the Consul re- 
commended their adjourning to some place where 
Alick might lay aside his strange disguise ; offering 
everything in his own power towards his comfortable 
domestication, until Da Costa should be liberated. 
Alick thanked him, but named the Ryans as friends 
to whom he must repair : and after arranging to meet 
his naval deliverers in the evening, he left them, 
with oft-repeated acknowledgments, to seek out 
Captain Ryan’s abode, to which they were very near. 
His heart throbbed with anxiety, as he entered the 
door, which was partly open, but no one was within. 


Judah's lion. 


387 


Allj however, bespoke the continual residence of his 
friends. He tried the door of Charley’s apartment, it 
was fast ; he called, and knocked, but none answered. 
In a corner, however, he saw a bag that contained 
some old apparel of his own, to which he helped him- 
self, made a hasty toilet, and again sallied forth, to- 
wards the Jews’ quarter. 

He found old Wilhelm in deep grief, weeping over 
his prayer-book ; and on seeing him, the tears of the 
afflicted Israelite flowed in greater abundance. Anx- 
iously Alick inquired whether he had tidings of his 
son. ^ The worst, the worst of tidings,’ answered the 
old man, wringing his hands : ^ better he had died ! 
better I had died ere I heard it !’ 

‘ Where is he V 

‘ In London, reaping the wages of his base apos- 
tacy.’ 

Several other Hebrews entered, and their lamenta- 
tions, intermixed with many heavy curses on the se- 
duced and his seducers, shewed Ahck what he might 
himself expect to encounter, when his own change be- 
came known. He remained silent till the storm 
abated, then spoke of Da Costa, and related the won- 
derful tale of his own deliverance, imparting also his 
anxiety concerning his friend. 

^ We can do nothing — we can do nothing!’ ex- 
claimed the Jews, in renewed grief — ‘ Israel is smitten 
wheresoever he be ; and chiefly, here he is smote with 
the stroke of a cruel one.’ 

^ Better,’ said old Wilhelm, ‘ to be smote with any 
stroke than that of the evil conscience of him who has 
forsaken the Lord his God to follow Baal.’ Again 


888 


Judah’s lion. 


were the anathemas renewed ; and Alick whispered 
to Wilhelm ^ How can you hear to hear such curses 
on your child V 

^ God hath cursed him,’ answered the unhappy 
father, ^ and man but assents. His crime is greatly 
aggravated : he has joined the Christians, and nearly 
prevailed to lead a young maiden of Israel into an evil 
path.’ 

‘ Impossible !’ cried Alick, as the image of Esther 
in all her strictness, rose before him. 

‘ My son,’ said an aged Rabbi, ^ thou art happy in 
conceiving that to be impossible which daily experi- 
ence among the wicked proves to be not only possi- 
ble, but frequent. The subtil ty of the Nazarene doc- 
trine is great, and the hold which it takes on the youth- 
ful mind is marvellous. It is a whirlpool — come but 
within the outermost circle, and thou art presently 
sucked down.’ 

Alick replied not ; he would have freely exposed 
himself to their wrath, and not flinched from their 
curses in the cause of truth, but their sorrow moved 
him so much that he could not just then add to the 
dismay which overwhelmed them. Never had he 
felt so tenderly towards his people as then, when had 
they known all that had passed, they would have 
spurned him with indignation. He waited a space, 
then renewed his questions, until, with some hesita- 
tion, young Wilhelm’s letter was handed to him. 
Alick eagerly ran over the contents, relating to his 
escape from the Maronite fathers, and his involuntary 
voyage to England, in the capacity of a common sea- 
man ; his meeting with a pious messmate, whose com- 


Judah’s lion. 


389 


ments on the word of God, which he had long studied, 
opened to his view truths till then unseen : and seve- 
ral adventures that befel him, and at length came to 
the part which he longed to read. Wilhelm, descant- 
ing on the providential course of circumstances, men- 
tioned, as confirming his view, the fact that his be- 
trothed, who had been a most bitter opposer of the 
Gospel, had come almost to the same point with him- 
self, through the happy, rejoicing death of an old 
Christian servant-woman, long attached to the family ; 
so that when he expected to encounter the most re- 
lentless opposition, and probably to be dismissed for 
ever from the regard of that beloved object, he found 
her, if possible, more anxious to inquire into the doc- 
trines of Christianity, than he was to set them before 
her. As Alick read, his joy became too great for con- 
cealment, and one of the Rabbins abruptly snatched 
the paper from his hand, sharply inquiring what made 
him smile. 

‘ Pardon me,’ said Alick, ‘ but that lady is my own 
cousin, and I had not heard of her since I left Eng- 
land.’ 

He was rebuked for disregard of the glory of the 
law ; and the lamentations being resumed, he took his 
departure, promising to bring them on the morn some 
tidings of Da Costa. Alick then bent his way to the 
public place of wailing, where, standing a little apart, 
with sympathy impressed on every rough line of his 
honest face, stood the Gunner, who, when Alick 
placed himself beside him, whispered, ‘ The officers 
are coming directly: they are wonderfully moved, 
Sir, by this meeting with you ; and full of interest 
33 * 


390 


judah’s lion. 


for your dear people. May it be increased a hundred 
fold! 

Before Alick could reply, the two Englishmen ap- 
peared, and he watched them for some time unob- 
served, for their whole attention was absorbed by the 
spectacle before them, than which a more touching 
one could scarcely be imagined. 

The portion of wall, which no doubt is a fragment 
of the ancient inclosure of Jerusalem, near the south- 
eastern corner of the outer court of the Temple, con- 
sists of some immense stones, forming a solid piece of 
masonry, and perforated in various parts, with little 
chinks and crevices. These the Jews believe to form 
the gate through which all prayer must pass on its 
way to heaven, from whatever quarter of the world 
ascending ; a notion founded, no doubt, on the ex- 
pression so frequently repeated in Solomon’s sublime 
prayer of dedication : “ When they shall pray towards 
this place,” and on . the custom of Israel so to do, from 
all distances, in the earliest times of their dispersion. 
Of course, no privilege is considered so great as to lay 
the lips against one of these crevices, and to whisper 
the supplication through it, which will yet be heard ; 
even the prayer for pardon and deliverance. There 
were several, both of males and females, present, some 
speaking through these openings, others seated at the 
foot of the wall, weeping, and wailing, and reciting 
prayers and psalms : among these sat a most venera- 
ble man, of superior aspect, habited in a long flowing 
gown of dark brown serge, with a girdle, to which 
descended* a thick beard of glittering whiteness, while 
locks of the same silvery appearance shaded his face. 


JUDAH^S LION. 


391 


tontrasting with eyebrows of the deepest black. A 
small, close black cap covered the crown of his head, 
and his bony hands were clasped upon it, as if in some 
strong effort to repress the workings of his brain. His 
head was bowed, and tears slowly fell trickling over 
the snowy beard, to be gently wiped away by the hand 
of a most lovely maiden, who bent over him, whis- 
pering from time to time something that evidently 
bore a reference to the Temple ; for her eyes con- 
tinually wandered from her aged companion to the 
direction in which it stood ; and with an upward cast, 
as though contemplating some lofty object. Her look 
was the very personification of uncomplaining sorrow, 
and so absorbing as to render her unconscious of all 
around, it completely engrossed her. 

After a while, the old man rose, and then it became 
evident that he was totally blind. He lifted his ven- 
erable face to the. light, spread forth his hands, and 
with slow, solemn movement, guided by the maiden, 
whose downcast eyes watched his every step, he 
approached the wall, where a crevice had just been 
left by its last proprietor. To this the maiden was 
leading him, and as they passed rather near, the two 
young English officers took off their caps. It was a 
spontaneous movement of respect, and to Alick, 
whom as yet they had not perceived, how grateful ! 
The old man reached the place ; his child laid his 
trembling hands against the wall, and as he bent to 
the narrow opening, deep sobs burst from his bosom, 
while she, one hand spread over her forehead and 
eyes, which were raised to heaven, poured forth what 
seemed an agony of silent supplication, shaking 


392 


judah’s Lion. 


her head, and stretching out the other hand, clenched 
with the fervency of her mental appeal. The younger 
sailor appeared quite unnerved ; and turning from 
them, encountered a look from Alick that he seemed 
able to appreciate. The aged Hebrew continued to sob| 
and to ejaculate broken sentences, until Alick, who 
had just recovered from Gordon his precious Hebrew 
Bible, stepped forwards, and commenced, in a low, 
solemn, but most distinct voice, reading in that sacred 
language what the Gunner immediately pointed out 
to the officers in his own little Bible, for Alick had 
shown him what he was about to repeat. If they 
sin against thee, (for there is no man which sinneth 
not) and thou be angry with them and deliver them 
over before their enemies, and they carry them away 
captives, into a land far off or near ; yet if they be- 
think themselves in the land whither they are carried 
captive, and turn and pray unto Thee in the land of 
their captivity, saying. We have sinned, we have done 
amiss, and have dealt wickedly ; if they return to thee 
with all their heart, and with all their soul, in the 
land of their captivity, whither they have carried 
them captives, and pray toward their land, which thou 
gavest unto their fathers, and toward the city which 
thou hast chosen, and toward the house which I have 
built for thy name ; then hear thou from the heavens, 
even from thy dwelling-place, their prayer and their 
supplication, and maintain their cause, and forgive 
thy people which have sinned against thee.” At that 
word a universal response burst from all the Hebrews 
present : they stretched forth their hands, and in one 
voice cried, “Forgive thy people which have sinned 


JUDAH S LION. 


393 


against thee 1” Alick resumed : and his tone became 
loud, and his manner most energetic as he proceeded, 
Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be 
open, and thine ears he attent unto the prayer that is 
made in this place. Now, therefore, Arise, O Lord 
God, into thy resting-place, thou and the Ark of thy 
strength ; let thy priests, O'Lord God, be clothed with 
salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness. O 
Lord God, turn not away the face of thine anointed ; 
remember the mercies of David thy servant!”* And 
the Jews repeated, “ Turn not away the face of thine 
anointed : remember the mercies of David thy 
servant I” 

The two Englishmen stood uncovered, their hands 
joined over the Gunner’s well-worn little Bible, read- 
ing with wonder, awe, and delight, words that they 
probably had nev^r before noticed, and looking on the 
scene before them as something miraculous. Alick, 
meanwhile, stepped up to the blind old Israelite, and 
respectfully kissing one of the hands that still rested 
against the wall, emphatically said, ^ Messiah Ben-Da- 
vid is the hope of Israel : pray that our God will reveal 
him unto you.’ ‘ Bless thee, my son !’ exclaimed the 
old man ; and Alick, whose heart welcomed the bles- 
sing, exclaimed to all around, as he left the place, 
‘ Oh ! pray, pray for the revelation of Him, who shall 
turn away ungodliness from Jacob.’ ^We do — we 
will,’ was the reply ; and blessings still follow^ed his 
retreating steps. 

^ I declare,’ said one of the officers, ‘ we have done 
a better deed in rescuing you, Cohen, than we were 
* 2 Chron. vi. 


394 


JUDAH S LION. 


aware of. Gordon, we owe you much for putting us 
up to this.’ 

‘ Will you love my dear people, and serve them as 
you have opportunity T asked Alick. 

‘ Ay, that we will !’ they replied ; and the younger 
added, ^ I have done great injustice to your people — I 
fancied Jew only another word for sometliing very 
disreputable ; but as long as I live I shall remember 
the look of that kingly old man, and his beautiful 
daughter, and blush for my prejudices.’ 

^ Something more than that, I hope. Sir,’ said the 
Gunner. ^ You will remember having stood on the 
very spot where God’s temple was reared, and having 
seen how, in the midst of poverty, sorrow, exile, every 
sort of oppression. His ancient poeple come to plead 
with Him the promises wliich they know He will 
fulfil.’ 

‘ True. I thought you very bold, Cohen, to speak 
as you did about the revealing of Him who, of course, 
is Jesus Christ’ 

^ And I thought myself very cowardly to say no 
more,’ answered he ; ‘ but I trust to speak out to every 
one of them ere I depart’ 

‘ Hey day !’ cried the young man, ‘ what have we 
here, to run us all down 1 Have a care, my lad, or 
you’ll demolish me ; and he stepped aside, to make 
way for Charley, who shouting and capering like a 
mad creature, rushed into Alick’ s arm’s, exclaiming, 

‘ My precious Mr. Alick! my darlint of a Jew I is it 
your own self^ — sure now, is it ?’ 

‘ My own, own Charley 1 and so you’re alive, and 
not only alive, but strong enough to struggle. Oh. 


JUDAH S LION. 


395 


Mrs. Ryan what joy it is to see you — my dear Sir ! 
here’s my first friend, Gordon, the man who led me 
the first step towards the blessing that now I possess 
— the blessing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, my only 
Saviour !’ 

Charley’s cry of joy was quite startling ; and the 
tearful smiles of his parents, the commotion of delight, 
in which Alick did not forget to introduce his other 
English preservers, were quite an unusual scene in 
the streets of captive Zion. They were not far from 
Captain Ryan’s abode, into which the whole party 
entered ; and there Alick related his strange adven- 
tures, which were listened to with great and varied 
emotion : but when it was stated that Da Costa re- 
mained imprisoned, under circumstances so distressing, 
Captain Ryan started up, and said, ‘ That will not do : 
he must be liberated at once.’ ^ The Consul will see 
to it,’ said one of the officers. ^ The Consul has been 
hurried away within this hour, on unexpected, un- 
avoidable bu.siness ; and I happen to know that Da 
Costa has powerful bitter enemies, who will, if they 
discover his situation, strain every nerve to do him 
some injury.’ 

It was Alick’ s turn now to jump up ; and the other 
gentlemen exclaimed, ^ Let us go back to the old Aga, 
and demand him vi et armis."' 

‘ No,’ said Captain Ryan, ^ caution is needful. The 
party to whom our poor friend is so obnoxious have 
lately been very troublesome to the governor, through 
a multitude of petty squabbles at the Church of the 
Sepulchre, and elsewhere. They are not very likely 
to have got any trace of him ; and we must be careful 


396 


JUDAH S LION. 


to give no public alarm.’ He then pointed out the 
best way of proceeding ; and requesting an officer to 
accompany him, left the rest of the party to talk over 
their adventures. Alick had not mentioned the at- 
tempt on his faith, or rather on his profession of faith. 
He, however, named Ali Mustapha, of whom the 
younger officer immediately said that he was a plea- 
sant, good fellow, and had treated them well at Bey- 
rout ; but Gordon looked ^vere, and evidently knew 
more of him than his superior did. 

Charley said, ^Perhaps, Mr. Alick, now that poor 
dear Mr. Dockster is all alone in prison, with a sore 
knee, he may begin to think what a good friend the 
Lord Jesus would be to him ; and so he may pray 
and be taught all about him, you know.’ 

‘ That is my hope and prayer, Charley j we had a 
great deal of talk, and though I could not convince 
him, the Lord can.’ 

‘ What I did he know of your being a Christian ?’ 

‘ Yes : and I am so thankful now to have told him.’ 

^ It may be the saving of his soul,’ remarked Mrs. 
Ryan, anxiously, 

Gordon sat in a retired corner, always carefully 
observing the respect due to his superiors in rank and 
station. Charley now went to him, and was soon on 
his knee, holding a very long whispered communica- 
tion, of which Alick was evidently the subject ; while 
his mother strove to render the conversation inter- 
esting and profitable to the young officers, who told 
her what they had witnessed at the place of wailing^ 
and listened with pleasure to her animated discourse 
respecting the history and the hope of Israel. Aftei 


Judah’s lion. 


397 


a long absence, Captain Ryan returned, looking ex- 
ceedingly disturbed, and in reply to Alick’s eager in- 
quiries, said he feared there had been some cruelty 
practised on Da Costa, who was still beyond his 
reach. 

‘ Then,’ said Alick, ‘I’ll go instantly, and never 
lose sight of the door of that house till I gain admit- 
tance to him.’ 

‘ My dear fellow, what can you do ? This is not 
England : there is no such thing as personal liberty 
recognized beyond the shadow of our flag ; and even 
that is barely available as a refuge during the absence 
of the Consul. We must seek higher help for our 
imprisoned brother : he needs it.’ 

‘ Then let us pray for him, sir, at least,’ said Alick. 

‘ At least ! we will do the most we can for him by 
praying. Prison-walls and gates have yielded ere 
now in Jerusalem to the force of prayer. Let us but 
beheve, and all will be well.’ They knelt in prayer ; 
and very sweet it was to Alick to unite in the thanks- 
giving of those his only teachers in the faith for the 
mercy vouchsafed to him. When they rose, the young 
sailor said, ‘ I shall be made religious at this rate : 1 
iiave heard more praying and Bible-reading to-day 
lhan ever I did in my life, except at the church. This 
Jerusalem is a singular place.’ 

‘ A singularly blessed, sacred, and privileged place, 
dven in her fallen, fettered condition,’ remarked 
Captain Ryan. ‘ What will she be when her light 
is come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon 
her !’ 

It was two days ere the scarred, emaciated, half* 
34 


398 


judah’s lion. 


living form of Da Costa was, at the urgent and even 
menacing demand of the British authorities, given up 
to his friends ; and then they pretended that no satis- 
factory contradiction of his being a plundering Be- 
douin, had been offered. In fact, they starved him 
till he had no power of making his own defence, and 
then condemed him on the score of silence. They 
however, delayed his execution, seeing that he could 
not long survive the rigors of such gaolers ; and who 
shall say what passed through his mind during those 
long dreary hours of suffering? He was brought to 
Captain Ryan’s house, insensible, from the sudden 
exposure to light and air ; and Alick hung over him, 
amost distracted with grief He had, in spite of all 
warnings, fulfilled his purpose of watching the ex- 
terior of the building that contained the prison ; but 
by this nothing could be gained. The Englishmen 
had been obliged to proceed from the holy city some 
hours before Da Costa was given up ; leaving Gor- 
don, however, to enjoy the rest of his furlough there ; 
and now the veteran devoted himself to assisting and 
comforting Alick, whose distress was pitiable. After 
a while, Charley was permitted to approach, and on 
seeing the ghastly object before him, cried out, ‘ Oh, 
it can’t — it can’t be Mr. Dockster!’ 

At his voice, the sufferer moved, half-raised his 
eyelids, and smiled. ‘Oh, you blessed boy!’ said 
Alick, ‘ you never speak but to do good and Da 
Costa smiled again. 

Gradually he so far recovered as to look at those 
around him, and to make some faint and fruitless 
efforts at speaking ; but of his feelings he gave no in- 


JUDAH '? LION. 


399 


dication, save those of increased affection for his ten- 
der nurses; and a marked satisfaction when Alick 
told him how they had been traced, and made Gordon 
take his hand. At one time he asked if he wished to 
see any of their brethren, to which no reply was given * 
and then Alick ventured to add, ‘ I have heard of Wil* 
helm — he is safe, and in London.’ 

The pleasure that beamed from Da Costa’s coun- 
tenance gave him almost the aspect of former days ; 
and then Alick whispered, in the lowest tone, ‘ I could 
say more — I will say it, dear Da Costa — Wilhelm has 
been led to see the Messiah of Israel in Him who was 
crucified, and he is very happy — and Esther is of the 
same mind.’ The deepest crimson mantled the wan 
cheek and damp brow of the dying man ; but beyond 
that, no indication was given — his feelings were un- 
fathomable, and all Alick could do was to converse in 
an audible whisper with Gordon and the Ryans on 
the infinite mercy of God in the redemption of the 
world by our Lord Jesus Christ ; but Charley talked 
incessantly in his own sweet, touching way ; and his 
little voice had always charms for Da Costa. 

It was on the second day of their watching over 
him, that Alick caught the first articulate words he 
had spoken ; they were ‘ The Mount of Olives.’ 

All were puzzled to ascertain what was his mean- 
ing : he seemed desirous to convey it, but could only 
murmur those words, and ^ die.’ At last Charley 
whispered, ‘ He wants to die on the Mount of Olives ;» 
and to this Da Costa distinctly said, ^ Yes.’ Again 
and again was he asked if he really wished to be car- 
ried there, and so evident was his desire that they re- 


400 


judah’s lion. 


solved to fulfil it. He was placed on a litter, and 
carefully borne across the valley of Jehoshaphat, and 
up the slope, a short distance, to a circle of Olive- 
trees, supposed to mark the garden of Gethsemane. 
He appeared very happy, when assured that the an- 
cient ohves of the mountain were really shading him ; 
but to Alick’s fervent, whispered entreaty for some 
word to indicate the state of his soul, he gave no re- 
ply. It was a bitter grief of heart to the afiectio-nate 
youth, and he wept like a child as he sat on the 
ground beside him. The expression of that wasted, 
but still fine countenance, he could not read. Some- 
times he thought it indicated a stubborn resolve not 
to be moved by any thing, at others he considered 
the stupor of approaching death to have benumbed 
his faculties; but then the eyes would unclose, and 
so much life, meaning, and vivid intellect shone in 
their dark orbs, that he was obliged to relinquish the 
supposition, and a hope that even then the work was 
being carried on in that precious soul beamed upon 
his agitated spirit. There were moments too when 
he read in that mysterious stillness of feature, the 
calm of one who has stayed himself on the Rock of 
his salvation. But all was surmise ; and poor Alick 
writhed under the incertitude of his thoughts. 

It was a solemn scene ! Beneath them lay the 
holy city, the summit of Mount Moriah, the inclosuro 
where stood the temple of the Lord being almost 
under their feet, so close did it appear, notwithstand- 
ing the deep ravine that forms the bed of the Ke- 
dron; the valley of the graves of Israel, the burial- 
place of the tribes for thousands of years, and to this 


JUDAH’ LION. 


401 


day the most coveted spot of sepulture to the Jew, 
wheresoever he may be scattered. Above, waved the 
few thin leaves of those patriarchal olives, coeval, 
probably, with the personal ministry of the Lord of 
glory on earth. All was calm and still, scarcely a 
sound broke the deep silence of the awe-struck be- 
holders, who gathered round the dying Israelite, ab- 
sorbed in secret prayer for one who, perhaps, was 
offering no acceptable supplication for himself Each 
had, in turn, whispered some gentle word of Chris- 
tian hope, promise, entreaty ; but though no repulse 
was given, neither could encouragement be traced. 
At length Gordon spoke in a low voice to Charley, 
who had been alternately peeping in Da Costa’s face 
and hiding his own in his mother’s bosom ; for the 
child was frightened, yet any suggestion of removing 
him threw him into such an agony that it was not 
persevered in. He was now listening to Gordon, and 
turning with him over the leaves of the Bible until 
something arrested them. Charley then slowly and 
somewhat fearfully approached, holding the book in 
both his hands ; and stealing o^e timid look at the 
corpse-hke face, he held the book so as to screen him 
from a second view, lifted up his broad forehead and 
began, in a tone so audible, enunciation so clear, and 
emphasis so marked, as to astonish those around him. 
Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered ; let 
them also that hate him flee before him.” He pro- 
ceeded with the Psalm, without faltering; but so 
slowly as to give effect to every word. Da Costa’s 
eyes were immediately unclosed ; the well-known 
lofty sounds seemed to revive all the fire of his cha- 
34 * 


402 


JUDAIl’S LION 


racter — his lips moved, evidently accompanying the 
earnest little reader. At length he arrived at the 18th 
verse, Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led 
captivity captive : thou hast received gifts for man ; 
yea, for the rebellious also, that God might dv^ell 
among them.” Here his voice trembled, and he 
hesitated, as if about to speak, but proceeded with 
much pathos — Blessed be the Lord, who daily 
loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salva 
tion. He that is our God is the God of salvation,” — 
here he dropped the book, fell on the neck of hii^ 
dying friend, and with a burst of tears cried out, ‘ Oh, 
he is! he is! Our God is the God of salvation. 
He loves you, oh, he does ; He loves dear Israel — 
He stood here and wept over Jerusalem. Beheve, 
believe, oh do believe in Jesus !’ Sobs stopped his 
voice, and Alick would have raised him, but Da 
Costa had thrown his arm over him, and held him 
fast. The child’s soft face was resting on his shoulder, 
one little hand raised in supplication; and by an 
efibrt he suppressed his sobs, and said very earnestly, 
‘You can’t think what a loving Saviour he is: you 
don’t see him ; but when they stoned Stephen some- 
where hereabouts, he looked up, and saw Jesus stand- 
ing at the right hand of God.’ Da Costa suddenly 
raised his eyes, with a look — a gaze towards heaven, 
so eager, so expecting, that Alick was electrified. 
Charley went on : ‘You can’t do without a sacrifice ; 
and see, the naughty Turks have got the temple, 
there, and shut you out, and you can’t sacrifice a 
lamb, nor a bull ; but here the Lord stood after he 
had sacrificed himself and ascended up on high ; and 


JUDAH S LION. 


403 


He will come again, He will, He will, the King of 
Israel — and He is the God of our salvation.’ Da 
Costa’s eyes remained fixed, but one more gleam of 
brightness flashed across them; he extended his arms, 
and ejaculating the word ^Cornel’ departed. 

‘ Many months after this occurred, a large party of 
English naval officers, with several wealthy merchants 
and travellers, were assembled at one of the principal 
«ea-ports of the Mediterranean, while within view rode 
the gallant ship that had conveyed the Cohens out. 
It was a royal fete-day, and the proud standard of 
England streamed not only from the mast-heads of 
her various vessels, but also from a rampart, so near 
the foot of which their hotel stood, that every fresh 
gust from the sea caused a portion of the broad ban- 
ner to sw^eep before the open window of that spacious 
apartment. It was no riotous assemblage of intem- 
perate men, but a hospitable farewell entertainment 
given by some of the most respectable inhabitants to 
their departing friends. The last glass was filled; 
and as at that moment the bold flag was driven well- 
nigh over the head of the president, he turned round, 
and playfully saluting it, gave the ^ Lion of England.’ 
Heartily, cheerily, was the sentiment welcomed ; and 
one among the company rose, his youthful cheek glow- 
ing with emotion, and his figure expanding with the 
conscious importance of his theme. ‘ May the most 
insignificant, and perhaps the youngest of this assem- 
blage, presume to rise uncalled, and respond to such 
a sentiment? Yes; for I represent a nation whose 
symbol is identical with your own, whose children are 
intermingled with your population, one with you, yet 


404 


JUDAH S LION. 


ever distinct, and to be more distinct and more distin- 
guished still, as I confidently believe, through the in- 
strumentality of England. I am a Jew ; a year since 
I first went on board yonder ship, devotedly English, 
but towards my own people indifferent, or worse. 
That standard. Gentlemen, that pictured lion now 
floating over the wave, was the means of making me 
indeed a Jew. Possessed with the belief, that in- 
cluded in your escutcheon was the Lion of the tribe 
of Judah, I gave myself to searching the Scriptures 
for information respecting Judah’s Lion ; and by Di- 
vine mercy I found him indeed; found him in the 
Lamb that was slain.’ He paused, almost overcome ; 
but a burst of delighted encouragement from his 
friendly auditors, induced him to proceed. ^ Becom- 
ing a Christian, do I cease to be a Jew? God forbid ! 
I turn to you, the inheritors of that faith which my 
fathers first proclaimed to the Gentiles, and I tell you 
that the noblest cause your unconquered lion can 
espouse, is that of my people, God’s offending outcast, 
but still beloved Israel. I have trod these Eastern 
shores ; I have wept over the desolations of Jerusalem, 
I have visited the fallen cities of Judah, I have trod- 
den the lofty steeps of Lebanon ; tasted the refreshing 
streams of Jordan, sailed across the lake Gennesaret, 
and sought out in every corner of the land the few 
scattered remnants of her ancient tribes who linger 
among kindred ruins. I have explored the country, 
with a view to testing its present capabilities of repay- 
ing such labour and capital as might be bestowed on 
it, without any reference to the promise of renewed 
fertility, a miraculous gift to be hereafter conferred by 


JUDAH'S LION. 


405 


the God of Israel, when He shall Himself arise on be- 
half of his pardoned people. I speak of what I know, 
when I assert, that Judea, having enjoyed her sab- 
baths, is even now prepared to yield a thousand-fold 
return to the patient cultivator. I speak of what is 
certain, when I say, that the path opens before us, for 
restoring, according to the sure word of prophecy, the 
dispersed of Judah to their inheritance ; and I appeal 
to you, to bear it ever in mind, that each successive 
event of these marvellous days, is tending to that is- 
sue. I ask you to watch ; to seize every occasion of 
facilitating our return ; not for our sakes, but for your 
own. God’s purposes towards us cannot fail, though 
the whole world were banded together against us ; but 
I love England, I desire to see her noble lion supreme 
among the nations ; and to insure this, I would see 
him ever closely allied to the Lion of Judah. As 
Christian men, you are bound to love the beloved of 
the Lord’s soul, whom he hath indeed given for a time 
into the hands of her enemies, but towards whom He 
purposes most glorious things, to His own eternal 
praise. We gave you the Bible, there is not in that 
sacred volume a line not written by a Jew ; — search, 
then, in its pages, for the record of God’s everlasting 
love to us, and grasp the blessing sealed to those who 
bless his Israel. One portion of that record I will re- 
peat; — ‘^Behold, I will gather them out of all coun- 
tries whither I have driven them in mine anger, and 
in my fury, and in great wrath ; and I will bring them 
again into this place, and I will cause them to dwell 
safely, and they shall be my people, and I will be 
their God ; and I will give them one heart and on© 


406 


jtjdah’s lion. 


way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of 
them, and of their children after them: and I will 
make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will 
not turn away from them to do them good : but I will 
put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart 
from me. Yea, I will rejoice over them to db them 
good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly, 
with my whole heart, and with my whole soul. For 
thus saith the Lord, Like as I have brought all this 
great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them 
all the good that I have promised them.” This is 
our charter : on this covenant we rely, and may it be 
England’s privilege, to labour in our cause, that she 
may rejoice in our joy, when our tribes shall assemble, 
and our cities be built, and the land of Israel rest in 
imbroken peace, under the sure shadow of Judah’s Al- 
mighty Lion ; — for unto Him shall the Gentiles seek, 
AND His rest shall be glorious V 


lUE END. 


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as intense a regard for the memory of those men whose princlplest, re- 
fined like gold in the fires of intolerance and persecution, laid the 
foundation on which the glorious su[)erstructure of our Templ<» of 
Liberty has been erected, 'I'he |>cn of Stoughton has given to these 
records of PuriUin days all the vividness, power, and glory of life, ind 
Pur. Dodd has published them in a style of beauty and elegance worthy 
of much coumiendalion.”— Spectator. 

“The author has evidently written so as to adapt his style to the 
young, an<l thereby secure their attention to the toils and .strugglea ot 
the early advocates of Truth, then imperfectiy known, against ecclesi 
tistical domination and spirituai tyranny. This we have no doubt he 
will have accomplished. The liuok is one of the most readable that 
has been issued from the religious press for years. We mean that it 
possesses a captivation, both from the style and the subject, which is 
rarely found.” — Jlethodist Protestant. 

“This book commeunuates, in a thrilling and powerful manner, some 
of the greatest spirits of perhaps the most interesting period of British 
history. It shows us the struggles and heaviness of the free spirit as it 
was coining forth to ri{>en upon the earth. It is history, the most inter- 
esting — but not continuous history. It is highly and most justly recom- 
Tiiended by Dr. Hawes.” — Albany Express. 

“This V ork relates to a j)eriod when great truths were struggling into 
flirth — when soul-liberty was asserter' and maintained at the expense 
of fortune, reiintation, friends, every .liing ; — a liberty which has long 
blessed our happy land; and which is extending a like boon toother 
nations.” — T7ie Trojan. 

“ I'his book is of decided interest. The times to which it relates ; 
the characters it describes ; the stirring events which it sketches ; and ' 
the noble sentiments which it illustrates, lend to it a peculiar charm.” 
—Biblical Repository. 

“The volume before us gives an admirable insight into the character 
and times of the Puritans. It is not a dry history, like NeaPs: it is a 
■pirit-stirring review of the men and the age, in which every character 
and every scene lives before us. Here we may worship with ‘the 
Islington Congregation’ in the woods; here we may follow Barrov and 
Greenwood, and Perry, to the g-allows: here we may witness th« em- 
barkation of the Pilgrim Fathers ; here we may sit by the death-be- of 
Owen, and Baxter, and Howe ; and walk among the graves of mei of 
whom the world is not worthy .” — The Indeps%de%t. 


Books Published and -for Sale by M. W. Dodd. 


THE ATTRACTION OF THE CROSS. 

The Attraction of the Cross, d^si^ned to illustrate the 
leading Truths, Obligations and Hopes of Christianity 
By Gardiner Spring, D.D. 12mo. Fourth edition. 

‘ Te are not surprised to hear that Mr. Dodd, the puhlisher, has ah 
ready issued the third edition of the Attraction of the Cross, hy the Rev. 
I>r. Spring. It is the ablest and most finished production of its author, 
and will undoubtedly take its place in that most enriable position in the 
family, as a volume of standard reading, to be the comfort of the aged 
and the guide of the young. We commend it as one of the most valua- 
ble issues of the press.’’ — N. Y. Observer. 

“ This is no ordinary, every-day volume of sermons, but the rich, 
ripe harvest of a cultivated mind — the result of long and systematic 
devotion to the proper work of the Christian m.ini^y. We regard Dr. 
Spring as one of the most accomplished preachers of the country. We 
never heard him preach a weak discourse ; and whenever he appears 
from the press, it is with words of wisdom and power. A careful perusal 
of this admirable book has afforded us great pleasure. We do not won- 
der to find it . so soon in a third edition. It will have a lasting reputa- 
tion .” — Baptist Mertnoria]. 

“ This volume, which we announced two weeks ago, and which we then 
predicted would prove to be the most excellent and valuable work yet 

written by Dr. Spring, has more 'than ci^malled our expectations 

We trust that every family in our land will read this }irecious work, 
which illustrates so beautifully and attractively the leading truths, ob- 
ligations and hopes of Christiauity, as reflected from the Cross of 
Christ.” — Albany Spectator. 

We mistake if this neatly-printed volume does not prove one of the 
most attractive religious works of the day. It presents the practical 
truths of religion, which all ought to know, free from tlie spirit of sect- 
arianism or controversy. The book is jirepared for permanent u.se, and 
bids as fair, perhaps, as any book of the kind in our ti]nes, to live and 
speak long after the author shall have gone to test the realities he has 
so eloquently described.” — Journal of Commerce. 

Dr. Spring’s new work, which we had occasion recently to announce, 
is very highly commended elsewhere. A New-York letter in the Boston 
Traveller thus introduces it to notice: — ‘A new work of Dr. Springy 
“ The Attraction of the Cross,” ha.s been published by M. W. Dodd, of 
this city. .... “ The Attraction of the Cross ” is destined to live among 
the very best productions of the church with which its respected author 
is connected. The style is remarkably I'urc, the arrangements of the 
topics lucid and methodical, and the arguments addressed with great 
force to the reason and conscience. It will stand by the side of ‘Tod- 
dridge’s Rise and Progress,” Wilberforce’s Viewy” or the “ Way cf 
idfe,” in the libraries of future generations.’ ” — Neu ark Daily Adv. 

“ None will wonder at the rare siiccess which th.s volume has won. 
who have read it. F«.-r comprehensiveness of views, beauty of style and 
excellence and fervor of devotional feeling, few works bar Lately ap 
peared that surpass it * — New-York Evangelist. 

“ The grand relations of the Cross, its holy influences, its comforts and 
its triumphs, are here exhibited in a manner cheering to the heart of 
the Christian. And the perusal of this book will, we venture to say. 
greatly assist and comfort the children of God. . . .^’‘—Presbyterian. 

9 


Books Published and for Sale hy M. W. Dodd, 


FRANK FORREST; 

Or the Life of an Orphan Boy. By David M. Stonis. 
Beautifully Illustrated. 

‘‘We advise any of our readers, be they old or young, who wish to 
keep their eyes unmoisteued through the holidays, not to read this littlo 
book. It would r\ot be safe for them — we speak from experience. Yet 
have we met with fev/ books more worthy of the place claimed for it 
‘ in the parlor, the play-room, and the Sunday school library.’ ” — JV. Y. 
Presbyterian^ 

“This admirable moral tale should be found in every family circle, 
district and Sabbath school library. Its religious, as well as its moral 
teachings, are worthy of careful note, and we doubt not will , prove to 
the writer ‘ bread cast upon the waters,’ that will return after many 
days, a luirvest of blessiuss from those whom it has benefited. It is 
published in a neat, prettily illustrated volume.” — Sat. Ev. Gazette. 

“•This handsome, and attractive volume contains a record of the 
strange vicissitudes which marked the eventful life of an orphan. It is 
admirably written, and inculcates most salutary lessons in Christian 
morals, in connection with the narrative. It is elegantly printed and 
embellished .” — Christian Observer. 

“We know not how much of this little book is fancy, and how much 
of it fact ; but it is certainly an ingenious and striking narrative, and 
well fitted to awaken the sympathies and improve the hearts of the 
Albany Argus. 


To he Published about 20tk April. 

THREE YEARS’ RESIDENCE IN ABYSSINIA. 

‘By Bishop Gobat. With a Geographical and Historical 
Account of the Country. Prefaced with a Biographi- 
cal Sketch of the Author by Robert Baird, D.D. — Thisi 
will be a work of surpassing interest. 


montaign: ' 

With the Endless Study, and o^heb. Miscellanies- 
By Alexander Vinet. 


SKETCHES OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANTER# 

By Dr. Alden. 


MARY OF GREEN RIVERS 

A True Story of Genius. Suffering, and Religioii. 


Boohs Published and for Sale by M. W. Dodd. 


A WHEAT SHEAF 

GATHERED FROM OUR OWN FIELDS, 

By F. C, Woodworth and T. S. Arthur. 1 vol. 12mo., illus- 
trated with nearly Fifty Engravings. ITo work of the 
season has been more flatteringly noticed. 

“ The preface to this volume is worthy of being printed in letters of 
gold. It is elegantly written, and full of meaning and instruction. We 
suspect it is from Mr. Woodwonh, than whom, perhaps, no writer 
knows better how to write for children and youth. The contents of the 
volume are a joint production, about equally divided. Mr. Arthur has 
shown himself skilful, in this most difficult kind of writing. Altogether, 
it is a sweet volume, and got up with all the elegance of an annual.” — 
Y. Commercial Advertiser. 

“We have scarcely ever seen a more tasteful and attractive book: its 
fine embellishments, and elegant printing and binding, render it beauti- 
fully ornamental. Its contents possess that vari^y of subjects, and that 
familiar, easy, and graceful style, so well adapted to engage the hearts 
of the young, and for which we think both these authors — particularly 
Mr. Woodworth — have uncommon tact and ability. The pieces are brief^ 
full of meaning, and never without some definite aim of instruction or 
moral impression. That it will be attractive and usefui, parents and the 
friends of the young may be assured.” — JNT. Y. Evangelist. 

“ The two authors, contributing about equal portions, have produced 
a volume, which, we are sure, will find a cordial welcome among the 
gift books of the season. The volume is very neatly printed and embel- 
lished.” — S\r. Y. Journal of Commerce. 

“This is the title of an elegant gift book for children, which, both in 
mechanical beauty, and the excellence of its contents, is quite above the 
average of such publications.” — Boston Chronotype. 

“ A beautiful book for the young, with many fine engi-avings — stories 
short, interesting, and of good moral tendency.” — Youths'’ Companion. 

“ A very attractive and ornamental volume for the young ; prepai-ed 
by gentlemen who have much experience and taste in providing for the 
wants of this important class of readers. The articles of prose and 
verse are well composed, refined in their style, and instructive in their 
moml, while the embellishments are neat, chaste, and adapted to the 
volume and its readers.” — JV*. F. Observer. 

“ This is a beautiful gift book, consisting of some of the choicest of the 
productions of the two gifted writers whose names appear on the title 
page. It is handsomely illustrated, and got up in splendid style.”— ./3i- 
bany Evening Atlas. 

ANECDOTES OF THE PURITANS.— l vol. l8mo. 

“ They give a picture of Puritan life, full of interest, besides conveying 
most important truths and lessons. As it is a kind of reading delightful 
to the young, and as the anecdotes give a just and exalted view of the 
Puritan character, we would commend the book to parents, as one of 
unusual value. It may be read by every one with great profit and 
interest.” — JNT. F. Evangelist. 

“A little book, that contains many great truths, many lessons of ChrU 
tian fortitude and resignation, and unbending integity.”— Com7ner«c 
Advertiser. 


Books Published and for Sale by M. W, Dodd, 



THE OLD STONE HOUSE; 

Or, the Patriot’s Fireside. By Joseph Alden, D.D. 

“This IS not only a capital book for boys, but suggests sentiments 
not unworthy the attention of children of a larger growth. In it, the 
spirit of true patriotism is finely illustrated by the examples of such 
men as John Jay, Benjamin Franklin, Governor Morris, and our immor- 
tal Washington. To those of our young friends who are looking for- 
ward to the day when they may become statesmen, we would cor- 
dially commend this little work, as an agreeable introduction to the 
study of the constitution and history of the government under which it 
is their high privilege to live .” — JVewark Daily Advertiser. 

“The object of this volume is unique among books for children; 
namely, to convey information of some of the early fathers of the 
state and the foundation of the Government, which is done in a simple^ 
intelligible way, and calculated, from the form of conversation, to ar- 
rest the attention. Its purpose and execution are highly commenda- 
ble .” — hiterary World. 

“Professor Alden’s juvenile books are, in many respects, patterns of 
publications for the young. They have a purity, simplicity and gravity 
of style »hat must do much towards forming mental and moral charac- 
teristics on TTie best model .” — Religious Recorder . 

“Under the guise of a familiar, pleasant tale of the Revolutionary 
era. Dr. Alden has here presented a condensed and most excellent com- 
pend of the elementary principles of the science of government, and 
our early political history. It strikes us as one of the most useful, as 
well as able and ingenious of the author’s many valuable juvenile 
works, and will be a good book for the family, and not less for the 
school-room.” — W. Y. Evangelist. 

EXAMPLE OF WASHINGTON. 

“A little volume of great value. The author does not pretend to 
give the example of Washington in his entire life, but employs the 
weight of his great name to arrest and fix the attention of the young 
upon some of the essential excellencies of character that were so fully 
illustrated in that unequalled specimen of human greatness— the prom- 
inent points in the work being the character of Washington as a re- 
ligious man. The book should be in the hands of every youth in the 
land.” 

REVIVAL IN SCHOOL. 

“This book is a good one for parents, teachers, and children. Some 
of the difficult questions in Christian causistry are here indirectly solved 
in a very intelligible manner; and the touchstone of piety is skilfully 
applied. No Sabbath school or juvenile library should be without it.” 
— Christian Mirror. 


Just published, in size and style corresponding with the 
above, and to match, “The Pilgrim Fathers.” Though 
this does not bear its author’s name, yet no reader of Prof. 
Alden’s admirable bo>ks will be at a loss to determine from 
whence it comes. 

20 


Books Published and for- Sale by M. W. Dodd, 


MUSICAL WORKS BY -HASTINGS. 


MOTHERS’ NURSERY SONGS. 

By Thomas Hastings. 16mo. 

“ Those that know anything of the learning, piety, and musical taste 
and skill of Hastings, desire no other recommendation for this little 
book, than the simple fact that he is the author of it. 

“ This little book contains, first, six little chapters on the ‘Rudiments 
of Notation then follows a selection of simple, beautiful, and touch- 
ing songs and hymns for children, set to music, and divided into four 
parts, viz.: Parti. ‘The Cradle.’ Part II. ‘The Nursery,’ Part III, 
‘The Class Room.’ Part IV. ‘The Altar.’ ” — St. Loui^ Herald. 

“We do take great delight in attractive books intended to do good to 
children. We have gone through this book with pleasure. Some of 
the songs are very touching, and others very sprightl3\ That one 
opening ‘Baby is crying,’ came upon us with great effect, especially 
the stanza beginning, 

‘ I wish he w'ere quiet. 

He makes such a riot. 

That nobody else can be heard,’ ” 

Southern Methodist Pulpit, 

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL LYRE. 

Words and IMusic chiefly new. 

Compiled and Composed by Thomas Hastings. 

16mo. 

‘In the language of the author’s Preface, ‘the object of this little 
work is to combine religious instruction with the enjoyment of chaste, 
and simple music.’ Whether this object has been attained we need not 
ask, when we know the author’s name. We know of nothin^ contain- 
ing, in so small a compass, or indeed in any shape, that v\ hich is so 
well adapted to the Sunday schools of our land. In the number of 
thirty-two tunes of different metres, we have an ample range afforded 
for the selection of tunes suited to any metre needed in Sunday school 
singing, and this music, of the most chaste and pure description, at the 
same time perfectly simple. The hymns, too, of which there are some 
thirty or forty, are of the most admirable character. We believe, too, 
t is the d».sign of the publisher to furnish the wotk at so low a price 
(some four or five cents) as to make that no obstacle, in ani/ case, to 
their introduction in our Sunday schools.” 

THE CHILD’S BOOK OF DEVOTION. 

i 

A Collection of Hymns and Prayers in Verse, for 
Children. 18mo. 

By Rev. John A. Murray, 


22 


Books Published and for Sale by M. IV, Dodd, 


JUD/EA CAPTA. 

* Jadfiea Capta,’ the last offering from the pen of this gifted and po^ 
nlar writer, will be esteemed as one of her best works. It is a graphic 
narrative of the invasion of Judea by the Roman legions under Vespa- 
sian and Titus, presenting affecting views of the desolation of her towns 
and cities, by the ravages of iron-hearted, bloodthirsty soldiers, and oi 
the terrible catastrophe witnessed in the destruction of Jerusalem 
The narrative is interspersed with the writer’s views of the literal ful 
filment of prophecy concerning the Jews, as illustrated in their extra- 
ordinary history, and with remarks contemplating their returning pros 
perity. Her occasional strictures on the history of the apostate Josephus, 
who evidently wrote to please his imperipl masters, appear to have 
been well merited. The work is issued in an attractive and handsome 
volume .” — Christian Observer. 

“ If the present should prove to be Charlotte Elizabeth’s last work, 
she could not desire to take her departure from the field of literature 
with a better grace ; and we doubt not that it will be considered, if not 
the best, yet among the best of her productions. It is full of scripture 
truth, illustrated by the charm of a most powerful eloquence ; and no 
one, we should suppose, could read it without feeling a fresh interest 
in behalf of the Jewish nation, and a deeper impression of the truth 
and greatness, and ultimate triumph of Christianity .” — Albany Daily 
Advertiser. 

“This volume contains a description of some of the most terrific 
scenes of which this earth has been the theatre. But instead of con 
templating them merely as a part of the world’s history, it takes into 
view their connection with the great scheme of Providence, and shows 
how the faithful and retributive hand of God is at work amidst the 
fiercest tempest of human passion. The work contains no small por 
tion of history, a very considerable degree of theology, and as much 
beautiful imagery and stirring eloquence as we often find within the 
same limits. Those who have the other works from thr same pen, 
will purchase this almost of course ; and they need have no fear that 
it will disappoint any expectation which its predecessors may have 
awakened .” — Albany Religious Spectator. 


Also just published — 

“THE CHURCH VISIBLE IN ALL AGES.” 

A work, mailing attraction to the youthful as well as tJie 
more mature mind, a deeply interesting and important subject. 


All the foregoing are printed on deary white papery and 
bound to match, making an attractive and beautiful set oj 
books. They are sold in sets or separately, varying from 
25 to 50 cents per volume. When purchased for Sabbath 
Schools, a liberal deduction is made from the above prices, 

1 


Books Published and for Sale by M. 'W, Dodd 


JUVENILE BOOKS 


THE TRAVELLER; 

OR, WONDERS OF NATURE. 

“The study of nature is always interesting, and should be beneficial, 
especially by raising the thoughts to God, and exciting admiration of 
him. The portions of His works noticed in these volumes, are moun* 
tains, volcanoes, precipices, caverns, earthquakes, deserts, rivers, con 
tinents, whirlwinds, whirlpools, and waterspouts.” — Christian Mirror. 

“An interesting and instructive volume, which should be added to 
every child’s library, and may be read with profit by older persons.” — 
Methodist Prsiestant. 

MRS. SHERWOOD’S WORKS. 

1. ‘Tse Deooping Lil?.’ iSmo. ?I. ‘ The Violet Leaf.’ l8mo. 
ill. ‘ The Lofty and Lo^’Jly Way.’ iSrno. New ed. 

“ These volumes contain each, one or more biographical sketches from 
the eloquent pen of Mrs. Sherwood. They are among her early publi- 
cations, and of course hear no trace of the sad clmnge which subse- 
liuently occurred in her religious sentiments. On ihe contrary, they 
convey, with the captivating and winning style of Mrs. Sherwood, most 
important religious truth. 

MORAL TALES FOR CHILDREN. 

By Uncle Arthur, Iliustrated by seven Engravings. 

1 vol. 32rno. 

“Uncle Arthur, the avowed narrator of these stories, must be a new 
relation of Peter Parley and Robert Merry, he has so happy a faculty 
of arresting the attention and winning the regard of the young His 
stories are simple and natural: having a direct religious tendency, and 
cannot fail to exert a salutary influence upon the juvenile mind.” — 
Boston Mere. Journal. 

PLAY-ROOM POETRY. 

By S. S. H. 

“Tt is our good fortune to know how much cordial interest in the 
welfare of the young, how- much clear knowledge of human nature, 
what a world of goodness, tact, and quiet virtue, lurk under these mys- 
terious initials The book is what the work of such an authoress 
ought to be, — fresh, original, simple, and suited exactly to those who 
are to study it. We never saw a better work for young children.”— 
A'Va? England Weekly Review. 

SCENES IN ROME, 

IN THE EARLY DAYS OF CHRISTIANITY. 

By J. W. Taylor. 18mo, New ed. 

“This little work carries us back into the heart of Pagan Rome, and 
ihows us Christianity in some of its most vigorous workings with the 
^wer of evil. It narrates various scenes, which, without any great 
effort of imagination, may be supposed to have taken place under the 
<eign of bloody Nero ; and the lofty moral heroism which it exhibits 
an the one hand, and the spirit of fiend-like cruelty which comes out 
on tke other, till us with alternate admiration and horror .” — Albanji 


21 


BooJcs Published and for Sale by M. W. Dodd. 


CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH’S WORKS CONTINUED. 

COUNT RAYMOND OF TOULOUSE, 

And the Crusade against the Albigenses, under Pops 
Innocent III. By Charlotte Elizabeth. Illustrated 
edition. 16mo. 

“The subject of this volume, and the spirited style in which it is 
written, will command for it an extensive circulation ; but it derives 
an additional interest from the fact that it was the last work which 
proceeded from the prolific pen of Charlotte Elizabeth. It occupied 
much of her time and thoughts during the last eighteen months of her 
life, and her earthly existence came to a close almost at the same mo- 
ment.” — Christian Advocate and Journal. 

“ The first thing we have to say of this work is, that it is one of 
Charlottp ILiizabeth’s best ; the next, that there is much in a name, or, 
in other words, that the work has now got a title, which tells the pub- 
lic just what it is ; that it is admirably illustrated, in most perfect Cruik- 
shank style ; and, lastly, that it forms a delightful and valuable Gift 
Book.” — Albany Spectator. 

“ It is a striking, life-like picture of the sufferings of the Albigenses, 
mingling the facts of history with sketches of personal character, and 
individual heroism, in a manner to excite an interest, and at the same 
time to instruct. It is a historical episode, replete with important les- 
sons.” — JSTew York Evangelist. 

“The book will commend itself, as treating of incidents of thrilling 
importance, and on its own merits will secure a reading, while circum- 
stances combine to invest it with peculiar interest, in the view of all 
who love to see female talent e.xerted in the cause of religion and 
truth.” — Herald of Religious Liberty. 

WRONGS OF WOMEN. 

Part I. . ‘ Milliners and Dressmakers II. ‘ The 
Forsaken Home ; III. ‘ The Little Pin-Headers f 
IV. ‘ The Lace Runners.’ 

^ Is now published in handsomely bound volumes by M. W Dodd. 
These are the most popular and intensely interesting stories from the 
ever-moving pen of Charlotte Elizabeth, and we are desirous to see them 
widely read. They are eminently calculated to awaken sympathy for 
the oppressed and the poor, and we therefore take pleasure in calling to 
them the attention of our kind-hearted readers.’^ — N. Y. Observer. 

“ This volume contains Charlotte Elizabeth’s most graphic, truthful, 
and pathetic expressions of the ^ Wrongs of Women.’ She has come out 
as the champion of her sex, .and if they have no such wrongs to be re- 
dressed in this country, they have thousands who sympathize with their 
enslaved sisters in Great Britain.” — Ib. 

“ The authoress of the"' Wrongs of Women/ Charlotte Elizabeth, has 
portrayed them in terms of exquisite pathos and heart-moving tender- 
ness. Eloquently and forcibly has she denounced the inhuman policy 
out of which they have growm ; and with all the susceptibilities and 
overwhelming influences of woman’s affections, she approaches the sub- 
ject in the hope of being abl£ to bring some alleviation, some mitigation 
®f the mental and physical degradation of her sex.” — American (Boston) 
Traveller. r 


Books Published and for Sale by M, W Dodd, 


THE DESERTER. 

We have never (we speak advisedly) read a story that more entirely 
enchained us than this. We are not quite sure how much of it ii 
fancy, and how much fact ; but we rather suppose that the outline is 
veritable history, while the filling up may have been drawn partly from 
the author’s imagination. The principal hero of the story is a young 
Irishman, who was lead through the influence of one of his comrades, 
to enlist in the British Army, contrary to the earnest entreaties of his 
mother, and who went on from one step to another in the career of crime 
till he was finally shot as a deserter ; though not till after he had practi- 
tally embraced the Gospel. The account of the closing scene is one of 
ihe finest examples of pathetic description that we remember to have met 
/vith. The whole work illustrates with great beauty and power the 
downward tendencies of profligacy, the power of divine grace to subdue 
die hardest heart, and the encouragement that Christians have never 
to despair of the salvation, even of those who seem to have thrown 
themselves at the greatest distance from divine mercy.''— ^^^bany Daily 
Citizen. 

“ This is one of the happiest efforts of this exceedingly popular writer. 
Its great aim appears to be to exhibit the truly benevolent influence of 
real piety upon the heart of man, as well as the degrading nature of sin. 
The narrative is admirably sustained — the waywardness of the unre- 
generate exhibited in living colors, and so interspersed with sketches of 
the ‘ soldier’s life,’ as to add a thrilling interest to the whole. It forms 
a neat library volume of near ^0 pages, and is handsomely printed and 
bound in cloth.” — Auburn Journal. 

“ One of the happiest productions of the author. The narrative is 
well sustained, and the personages and character are true to nature ’* 
— Cmmnercial Advertiser. 


COMBINATION. 

“ This is a tale, founded on facts, from the gifted pen of Charlotte Eliz- 
abeth. It is well written, and contains the very best of advice. It lays 
down with great force the mighty truth, that without Religion there 
can be no virtue ; and that without the fear and love of God, man will 
inevitably be dashed on the rocks of irredeemable ruin. Religion is the 
Sheet Anchor, the only protection to hold by in the hour of violent 
iemptation ; but if that be lost, all is over. Siich little works as these 
are eminently calculated to produce a vast amount of good ; and there- 
fore let the heads of families place them upon their table for the benefit 
of their children. 

” In no better way could an evening be spent than by having it read 
aloud, that a warning may be taken from the fblly of others, and that 
the course which has led them to ignominy and disgrace may be moat 
carefully avoided.” — Boston American Traveller 


THE DAISY— THE YEW TREE, 

Chapters on Flowers. 

Three most delightful itlle volumes, made up in part from 
her very popular Flower Garden Tales for those who prefer 
them in smaUer volumes 


Books Puhlished and for Sale by M. W, Lodd, 


LIFE OF CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH. 

1 6mo. 

With a new and accurate Portrait,, finely engraved on steel,, expressly 
for this volume. 

“ We doubt if the lives of many females are blended with 
more incidents and richer lessons of instruction and wisdom, 
than the life of Charlotte Elizabeth. It will be found as cap- 
tivating as any romance, and will leave on the mind a lasting 
impression for good. Mr. Dodd’s edition before us, is certainly 
a very beautiful one, and we hope will commend itself to many 
readers. Over three hundred pages of the work are occupied 
witli Charlotte Elizabeth’s Personal Recollections. Mr. Tonna 
has added Explanatory Notes, and a Memoir, embracing the 
period from the close of her Personal Recollections to her death. 
It is embellished with a finely executed portrait of Charlotte 
Elizabeth, which is said to be an excellent likeness of its la- 
mented original .” — Albany Spectator. 

“ Mr. Dodd of New York has published, in a handsome vol- 
ume, the Personal Recollections of Charlotte Elizabeth, accom- 
panied by a Memoir, embracing the period from the close of 
the work just named to the time of her death, thus giving a 
connected and interesting Memoir of her life. The biographi- 
cal sketches of the life of one of the most eloquent and gifted 
female writers of the nineteenth century, thus united in one 
volume, will be peculiarly acceptable.” — Phil. Christ. Observer. 

“ Mr. M. W. Dodd, writes a friend, has opportunely brought 
out a new and beautiful edition of the Life of Charlotte Eliza- 
beth. Its intrinsic value and interest are too widely known 
to need our commendation ; but this edition is rendered doubly 
attractive by a portrait, emgraved expressly for it, and said to 
be remarkably accurate. We have, with this, a bold auto- 
graph, in very much such a hand as might be expected from 
one who wrote so much and so well .” — Newark Daily Ad- 
vertiser. ^ 

It is a beautiful book, and presents a complete biography 
of a truly pious and remarkable woman, whose excellent 
writings have interested and benefitted thousands, on both 
■ides of the Atlantic, and are destined to be a lasting blessing 
to the Church and to the world .” — Baptist Register. 

“ A new and beautiful edition of this work, with additional 
ma ter of interest, which will be sought by the many ad- 
mi icrs of that gifted and distinguished writer .” — New York 
Ooserver. 


3 


Books Published and for Sale by M. W. Dodd. 


CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH’S WORKS. 

IN 18 mo. VOLUMES. 

JUDAH^S LION. 

“ In a sprightly, well-written narrative, containing scenes Df high dm- 
cratic interest; it portrays the character and hopes of the Jews in their 
Aspersion, and points to the means which may he blessed in restoring 
them to the faith of Abraham, in the tme Messiah.” — Philo. Observer. 

" Individuality of character is faithfully preserved, and every one i» 
necessary to the plot. The reader will find in this book much informa- 
tion that he can only find elsewhere by very laborious research. Char 
lotte Eli'/iabeth is a firm believer in the national restoration of the Jews 
to the possession of Palestine, but believes they will previously be con- 
verted to Christianity. We advise our friends not to take up this book 
until they can spare time for the perusal; because, if they commence, it 
will require much self-denial to lay it down until it is fairly read 
through .” — Christian Adv. and Jour. 

THE FLOWER GARDEN. 

A collection of deeply interesting Memoirs, beautifully 
illustrated under the similitude of flowers. 


POSTHUMOUS AND OTHER POEMS. 

“ Most of the Poems contained in this volume, now appear for the first 
time, and have been furnished chiefly by the friends to whom they were 
addressed. They breathe the same heavenly spirit, and bear the im- 
press of the same gifted mind, with all the other productions of the la- 
mented Authoress .” — Albany Statesman. 


FALSEHOOD AND TRUTH. 

“A beautiful and instructive volume, worthy to be put into the hands 
of aJl children and youth, as a choice token of parental solicitude for 
their preservation from insidious errors, and the establishment of the 
truth as it is in Jesus. Few there are indeed of any age who can read it 
without equal profit and pleasure .” — Boston Recorder. 

CONFORMITY. 

We read this little volume with great and unqualified satisfaction. 
We wish we could induce every professor of religion in our large cities, 
and indeed all who are in any way exposed to contact with the fashiona- 
ble world, to read it. The author, in this little work, fully sustains her 
high reputation as a very accomplished and superior writer, and th«^ 
staunch advocate of Evangelical principles, carried out and made influ-' 
ential upon the whole life and conduct — Episi^ Recordet' 


4 


Books Published and for Sale by M. W. Dodd, 


THE MERCY SEAT; 

Thoughts suggested by the Lord’s Prayer. By Gardiner 
Spring, D.D. 

“In tliis volume intrinsic excellence and mechanical beauty are well 
combined. Richness and maturity of evangelical thought and senti- 
ment are its characteristics ; tl>e ripe experience of a devout Christian 
clusters on every page ; it is full of ^ marrow and fatness, of wine on the 
lees well refined,’ and contains food for both heart and intellect. ‘The 
Mercy Seat’ will be — cannot but be — highly prized by Christians cf all 
denominations.” — Commercial Advertiser. 

‘•We regard it as the most valuable of all the distinguished author’s 
valuable works. It is a book for the family and the closet, and is 
equally well adapted to profit the plainest Christian, and the most cul- 
tivated man of letters.” — A'. V. Observer, 

‘•The present wt)rk is among the author’s happiest productions. We 
think it surpasses them all in richness of instruction, tenderness of 
spirit, earnestness and fidelity of appeal, and })ower to awaken and 
sway the best feelings of the sanctified heart. His general observations 
on prayer, and his remarks on the mailer and manner of prayer, are 
most excellent, and worthy of careful and thorough study.”— Rep. 

‘•'I'he volume contains some of his best and most interesting dis- 
course, and ctumot fail to be most heartily welcomed by the religious 
public. Th.e style in which it is publisiied is exceedingly neat and at- 
tractive.” — A'*. Y. Courier and Inquirer. 

“ll is a delightful work, and replete with noble Christian views, 
which ought to obtain in all spheres, and to exert an influence upon 
all minds.” — JY. Y. Evanffelist. 

“This volume will not please because it contains ingenious specular 
tions or startling novelties; but because it presents the old, rich 
themes of Cosi)el truth in a clear and chaste style. The doctrinal 
and the practical are happily blended in its discussions — not a page 
is dull or dry. The author’s judicious remarks on^ Forms of Prayer’ 
are commended to all who would like to see this subject kindly exhib- 
ited in its true light — the Bible and the History of the Church. We 
say to all, get ‘ The .Mercy Seat’ by Dr. Spring.” — JVewark Daily Ad- 
vertiser. 

“ It is certainly one of the most favorable exhibitions of Dr. Spring’s 
powmrs in illustrating and enforcing truths of the- highest moment. His 
theme is a delightful one, and the method of treating it is all that could 
be desired. The publisher has presented it in a very attractive dress.” 
— Phil. Presbyterian. 

“This work is in Dr. Spring’s best style, — vigorous, perspicuous, and 
breathing the true Christian spirit. It is not a book intended simply 
for the closet. It seizes upon man in his daily walks — amidst the cares 
of his business — at his desk or in his workshop, tmd recalls him to a 
sense of his divine relations — and is worthy of a place in the choicest 
niche of the library.” — .Journal of Commerce. 

“We give a cordial welcome to this new work of Dr. Spring. It is 
refreshing to meet with a book like this, so clear and chaste in style, sc 
fraught with important instruction, and above all, so eminently spirituat 
in its tone, and so well fitted to promote devotional feeling.” — JV. Y, 
Presbyterian. 

“ A rich and valuable work, replete with the distinguished authclf 
best thoughts on a great subject, of universal interest — the community 
of man, weak, sinful and mortal, with the Infinite Jehovah, bis God ii» 
iftTioar.” — Christian Observer, 


Books Published and for Sale by M. W, Doiu.. 


APOSTOLIC BAPTISM. 

Facts and Evidences on the Subjects and Modes of Chris- 
tian Baptism. By C. Taylor, Editor of Calmet s Dic- 
tionary OF the Bible. With 13 engravings. 12mo. 

“ We are glad to see a revised and stereotyped edition of this learned 
and valuable work on the baptismal controversy. It is not necessary, 
at this late day, to speak of its peculiar merits. We are not aware that 
these ‘ Facts and Evidences’ here presented, have ever been invali- 
dated, either in this country or in Great Britain, and if not, they are 
certainly entitled to no little weight in favor of the arguments of Paedo- 
baptists, both as to the subjects of Christian baptism and the apostolic 
mode.” — Biblical Repository. 

“This work has given no little trouble to immersionists. The facts 
of Mr. Taylor have never been denied, to our knowledge ; nor have his 
evidences ever been disproved. The work before us has acquired a 
reputation which our endorsement cannot materially increase.” — Prince- 
ton Review. 

“ The American editor presents this volume to the American Churches, 
as the authentic delineation of original Christian Baptism — with the 
assured conviction, that an erudite polemic cannot be found who will 
seriously controvert Mr. Taylor’s oracular position — ‘Baptism, from 
the day of Pentecost, was administered by the Apostles and Evangel- 
ists, to Infants, and not by submersion:’ the Facts and Evidences sus- 
taining this position, he regards as irrefutable, as the truth is in Jesus. 

“The book displays wonderful research, and brings out the proof 
from philology and ecclesiastical history, with a distinctness and force 
perhaps never excelled. It even proves that the warrant for baptizing 
infants is more certain, or less open to cavils, than if that word had 
been employed in* the command, or in the narration of examples of 
baptism — because a term is used of more certain meaning, which un- 
questionably includes little children. The work was published in Eng- 
land more than thirty years ago, and no Baptist author has yet at- 
tempted to disprove the facts, or to deny the evidences here adduced, 
. in favor of Paedobaptist principles and practice.” — Christian Mirror. 

“ This is a very curious book. It commences the argument in respect 
to baptism at the right starting point, and enforces it by reasoning of 
the most convincing character. It seeks to carry back the interpreter 
of the teachings of the Scriptures, to the time when the New Testament 
was written, and to enable him to read the passages under circum- 
stances, like those under which they were originally heard. The en- 
gravings, which are copies of the oldest representations of the adminis- 
tration of the rite of baptism, in pictures, sculptures, and mosaics, 

> speak forcibly to the eye and the mind.” — Mew Englander. 

“This is unquestionably the greatest work ever published on this 
question. It has been thirty years challenging examination, and no 
’ Baptist minister, so far as we know, has dared to touch it. No minis- 
ter should be without iL Remember, it is a body of Texts and Evi- 

> iences. The history of the book is interesting, but M'e have not room 

k) give it. It ought to be in every Sunday school library. It has thir- 
teen "themselves, as evidences, worth the price. The book 

^as had an immense circulation in Europe and America. We wish 

' «ome plan could be devised to put it in every family of our church.”— 
■ Southern Methodist Pulpit. 


Books Published and for Sale by M. W, Dodd, 


AN EARNEST MINISTRY, 

The Want of the Times. By John Angell James. With 
AN Introduction by Rev. J. B. Condit, D.D., of New« 

ARK, N. J. 

“There is a power in the very title of this book. It strikes home ta 
the convictions of every mind that is wakeful to the condition and wanti 
of the church. ‘ An Earnest Ministry.’ The ear tingles with the sound, 
it stirs up thought; it lingers in the memory; it turns into prayer. 

“ ‘ Has the evangelical pulpit lost, and is it likely to lose any of iti 
power T is the question with which the veteran preacher and authoi 
commences his discussion. In the progress of his own earnest mind 
through the several stages of this subject, he begins with the ministry 
of tne Apostles, tinding his theme in it; examines the nature of ear- 
nestness, and shows its appropriateness in him who handles the word 
of life, in respect to its matter, manner, and practice ; illustrates his 
points by numerous quotations and biographical notices; and from the 
whole, gathers motives of great power to bear on the conscience of the 
professional reader. 

“ We wish that we could lay a copy on the table of every pastor, and 
put it into the portmanteau of every missionary im|jt>je land : we should 
feel quite sure that the Sabbath following, at least, would bear witness 
to its effect; and we should hope for still more enduring results. And 
we could scarcely imagine a more useful appropriation of money, than 
would be made by supplying the young men of our own Theological 
Seminaries, with each a copy of this exhibition of an ‘earnest minis- 
try.’ ’’ — JV*. Y. Obser^ver. 

“ We read this work with the greatest interest. A more impressive, 
truth-telling, pungent appeal to the ministry, we have never met with. 
This noble, stirring effort to infuse new life and energy into the minis- 
try cannot be too highly praised. Without attempting an analysis of 
its contents, we beg to assure our brethren, that of all useful and able 
productions of this author, this is by far the most useful and able. 
There are hints, and appeals, and principles in it, of incalculable im- 
portance, and of most awakening interest.’’ — JV*. Y. Evangelist. 

“Every work of his we have read meets an exigency — in other 
words, is opportune to the state of the Church, and shows profound 
thought, thorough investigation, and withal, is given in a chaste and 
vigorous style. This last volume in no sense falls behind — there is a 
clearness, a comprehension, and a power in it, which makes it com- 
pare with anything he has written ; and throughout it is an illustration 
of the very earnestness he commends. Dr. Condit of Newark, has 
written a very judicious introduction to the volume. We feel that 
Mr. James may well be taken by young men in Theological trainingi 
and ministers generally, as their oracle on the importance of earnest- 
ness in the ministry.’’ — Christian Intelligencer. 

“ His specimens and illustrations, drawn from the most eminent divines 
of ancient and modern days, and of various countries, are extremely apt 
and interesting. By the method he has pursued, Mr, J. has given us a 
kind of biographical library of the ministry, in such a manner as to im- 
press their excellencies upon the memory, and to inspire a wish to imi- 
tate them. The work is richly worthy of the perusal of the class fo-' 
whom it is specially designed.’’ — Christian Review. 

“ Not to make a book, but to do good, seems to have been the whole 
object in view. All our ministers, especially the younger, should givt 
this book a reading, and we believe its circulation generally among out 
people would be productive of great benefit to the whole Church.’’- 
Methedist Pulpit. 10 


Boohs Published and for Scde by M. W. Dodd, 


IS CHRISTIANITY FROM GOD? 

Or a Manual of Bible Evidence for the People. By 
Rev. John Cummings, D.D., Minister of the Scot- 
tish National Church in London. With an Intro- 
duction BY Hon. Theodore Frelinghuysen. 

“Let no one neglect this volume because its subject is one that has 
been ably and unanswerably handled before. If we mistake not, it haa 
some traits of superioiity over any that has preceded it. As a manual 
of arguments against infidel assaults and sceptical insinuations we do 
not think of another that we should call its equal.” 

“ Here is a book that we can heartily commend. Its title, “ Is Chris- 
tianity from God? or a Manual of Bible Evidence for the People,’’ indi- 
cates the character of the work. The author attempts no new theory — 
no new and startling truths — for these are not found in the Bible ; but 
with singular ability he has explored the old truths of revelation, and 
shown conclusively that the Bible is from God. * * * 

“Its positions are taken with so much confidence, and held with so 
much quiet ease, that the reader can scarcely fail to feel a kind of con- 
tempt for the delii’ious twattling of upstarts, whose intellectual calibre 
is simply of the capacity to doubt what a manly intellect has estab- 
lished.” — Religious Recorder. 

“ In an age like the present, when scepticism is so fashionable, a 
work like this cannot fail to produce a wholesome influence on the mind 
of the reader.” — Christian Secretary. 

“ This work is an able one. It treats of very grave subjects, in an 
earnest and practical manner. The work will arrest the attention of 
earnest thinkers, whether sceptics or Christians. The Introduction by 
Mr. Frelinghuysen is brief, neat, pertinent, and highly commendatory 
of the body of the book.” — The Republican. 

“ This is an able and valuable work on a most important subject, 
which the author has illustrated in a style and manner that cannot fail 
to interest that numerous class of readers for whom it was intended. It 
is a good standard book for the Christian family library.” — Christian 
Observer. 

“ It is a work admirably calculated to enlighten the inquirer after 
truth, and to confirm the pious in the truth of the Christian Religion.” 
— Baltimore American. 

“For all classes this is an admirable summary— compendious but 
complete — of the evidences of Christianity. Its style is more polished, 
and its learning more profound than Nelson’s ; but it is well adapted to 
carry conviction to plain minds, and to suggest to the Christian argu- 
ments and facts for the defence of his faith. The moral argument is 
brought out with great strength ; and also that from prophecy.” — The 
Independent. 

“We earnestly recommend the circulation of this volume. Where 
skepticism exists, here is strong argument, freshly presented, to settle 
the belief : where general confidence in the Bible exists, here are de- 
telled proofs to give it corroboration.” — Princeton Review. 


Books Published and w Sale by M, W. Dodd, 


GOSPEL STUDIES. 

By Alexander Vine7’, D.D., Author or Vital Christian- 
ity, WITH AN Introduction by Dr. Baird. 

“These discourses are remarkable for orij?inality and beauty of 
thought and elegance of diction. They are unlike anything that we 
ever read — they are delightful.” — Daily Evening Traveller. 

“ Vinet, beyond any writer of our day, was characterized l)y the per- 
petual progress from novelty to novelty. The originality of Vinet is 
his principal charm. He treats the most common topics of theology 
with a freshness which fascinates us like a discovery. In the conduct 
of his metaphors, he so fuses the thought in the illustration, as to give 
the most familiar trutlislhe brilliancy of inventions ; and by penetrating 
and profound analysis reveals new relations of truth which elude com- 
mon sagacity, and are indeed so many new truths. We believe the pe- 
rusal of this volume will be an excellent discipline for those whose 
religious views need enlivening; all here is lull of nobleness, aspiring 
speculation, and enthusiastic love.”— /./trrar?/ fVorld. 

“They possess the peculiar characteristics of F/ench sermonizing — 
lively, abrupt, strikingly beautiful in description, and artistically ar- 
ranged.” — JV*. Y. Evangelist. 

“Vinet has been styled “the Chalmers of Switzerland,” but his man- 
ner is ditfereut, although his thoughts are not less brilliant. In his style,' 
Vinet is original. He was a profound thinker, and in commnnicaling 
his ideas he knows how to make others think. No one can road these 
admirable discourses without entering into the spirit and feelings of the 
author, nor without gaining new and valuable ideas from him.”— C7t/n> 
tian Secretary. 

“The writer had a most versatile as well as a most discriminating 
and powerful mind ; and probably deserved, more than almost any other 
writer, to be called, in the beet sense of the word, a philosopiiical Chris- 
tian. He is equally at home in the heights and in the depths; and his 
range of thought seems illimitable.” — Jilbany Argus. 

“Gospel Studies” contains much that is adapted to stir the soul, to 
nourish piety, and to enlarge one’s range of thoughts in certain direc- 
tions.” — Watchman and Rejiector. 

“Simplicity, beauty, original thought, and ardent piety, are the prom- 
inent attributes of the author’s mind as developed in this work. There 
Vs a freshness in his views which will delight the intelligent reader.” — 
Christian Observer. 

“Such is the title of one of the best books on the subject of religion 
Jhat we have seen for many a day. In an introduction of a few pages, 
Dr. Baird gives a shoi’t notice of the life of Dr. Vinet, whom he pro- 
aounces the greatest philosopher that the Continent, if not Lurope, has 
•produced in om- titnee. He has been called the Chalmers of Switzer- 
lar.d, but not very correctly. He was rather the John Foster. But he 
h!ad a cxind far more clear and discriminating than that of the great 
B.iti&n Essayist just named. It has a freshness about it, and is so re- 
moved from the usual style of an English or American mind that it 
fcweiceiis and excites attention at every Journal of Commerce. 


Books Published and for Sale by M. W. Dodd, 


PASTORAL REMINISCENCES, 

With an Introduction by Dr. A. Alexander, of Princeton. — 
1 vol. 12mo. 

“This volume consists of sketches of several marked characters, relig- 
ious and irreligious, each filling a chapter, and presenting, in a just and 
forcible light, some important truth, illustrating and enforcing some 
duty, or sounding a solemn warning against some danger. Both in sub- 
jects, method, principles and style, it is adapted to practical use ; and we 
do not see how any reader can well fail to derive real benefit from the 
perusal of any page. ' The work is evidently what it professes to be, an 
accurate record of facts, in all its details, and the author must have 
possessed not only a power of discrimination, evangelical opinions, and 
a zeal and spirit becoming a Christian pastor, but a happy faculty in 
describing what he saw and felt. The reader is interested for good rea- 
sons, instructed in the right way, and impressed by right means. We can 
recommend it as attractive to young persons as well as old, and useful 
to all.” — JV. F. Presbyterian. 

“ They are represented to be pictui-es of actual occurrences iu the 
course of his ministry, and wear an air of truth which makes it easy to 
believe them to be so. They are told with tact, and often with touches 
of exquisite feeling ; and all illustrate important principles of truth and 
nature.” — JV*. F. Evangelist. 

“ All these narratives are valuable and instructive, and must richly re- 
pay a thorough perusal.” — Relig. Recorder. 


THE MOURNER COMFORTED ; 

Or, Extracts Consolatory on the Loss of Friends. By 
Rev. Thomas Lope. — 32mo. 

“ A neat, well-printed little volume of extracts in prose and verse, de- 
signed to comfort and console the mourner for the loss of friends. They 
are judiciously selected from the best writers, and well adapted to sul> 
serve the purpose for which they are designed .” — Christian Secretary. 

“The selections are made with good taste, and are adapted to a great 
variety of circumstances iu life. The volume is an excellent gift-book ; 
when a friend would, at the same time, manifest sympathy, and give 
counsel.” — Relig. Recorder. 


LIFE OF CLARINDA MAPES; 

OR, EARLY PIETY EXEMPLIFIED. 

By Rev. J. Bailey. 

“A very beautiful exemplification it is, of the elevating, purifying nature 
of religion. The narrative discloses a remarkable instance of preco- 
cious development of devoted, earnest piety, some of the features of which 
are well worth the study of professors, young and old.” — JV. F. Evan- 
gelist. 


Books Fublished and for Sa^t by iV[. W. Dodxu 


THE BOOK THAT WILL SUIT YOU; 

Or a Word for Every One. By Rev. James Smith, Author ot 
“ Believer’s Daily Remembrancer,” &c. 

“ An elegant little hand book of some 300 pages 16mo., and by an En 
|Iish author its contents are a rare selection of topics, treated briefly 
JO suit the cir ,umstances of those who have fifteen or twenty minutes 
JO spend in r ading, which it would be wicked to throw away, and yet 
Jiscouraging to commence a heavier volume. ‘ The Successful Mo- 
vner,’ ‘Tin Child’s Guide,’ ‘The Husband’s example,’ ‘The Wife’s 
Rule,’ — tlr se are some of the topics taken promiscuously ffcm the 
book ; ano they show the author’s mind to be travelling in the right di 
rection, ’ iz. : towards the theory of life’s daily practice. We hope 
that the time is near when Christian parlors will be emptied of ‘ The 
Book ot Fashion,’ ‘ Somebody’s Lady’s Book,’ etc., etc., made up of 
love sUtries mawkishly told, and other drivelling nonsense ; and theii 
places supplied with works like the ‘ Book that will Suit you’ — no less 
pleas’ ng, and far more useful.” 

GRACE ABOUNDING TO THE CHIEF OF SINNERS, 

In a faithful account of the Life and death of John Bunyan, 

pp. 176. 

” W? a*'e nleased to see a very handsome edition of this admirable 
treatise. It is ’Published, and will be eagerly sought after by all 
who admire the spirit and genius of this remarkable man whose ‘ Pil- 
grims Progress’ stands nearly if not quite at the head of religious lit© 
rature.” 


KIND WORDS FOR THE KITCHEN; 

Or Illustrations of Humble Life. By Mrs. Copley. 

“This admirable little volume is the production of Mrs. Esther 
Copley, (late Mrs. Hewlett,) whose popularity as an authoress has long 
been established upon both sides of the Atlantic. The welfare of that 
interesting and important part of society who discharge the domestic 
duties of life has long engaged the attention of this distinguished and 
accomplished lady. 

‘■‘ We have read the ‘Kind Words for the Kitchen,’ with a firm con- 
viction that it is the best work we have ever seen in so small a com 
pass for its designed purpose ; it suggests all that a sense of duty would 
lead the head of a well regulated household to advise, and having 
loaned the book to ladies distinguished for their judgment and skill as 
heads of well-governed families, they have urged its publication with 
B few omissions of matter deemed inappropriate to our country. 

“ We believe almost every Christian lady will be glad to place such a 
manual of sound instruction in the hands of her domestics, and that 
which is kindly bestowed will generally be gratefully received. With 
an assurance that the general diffusion of this book would accomplish 
a most valuable service in binding together more closely the interests 
of the employer and the employed, and softening down the asperities 
which so frequently grow out of the ill performed duties of the house- 
hold sphere, we should rejoice to know that this little volume wag 
traced by the side of the Bible in ever? kitchen of our country.’ 

17 


BnnkQ Publishea and for Sale by M. If. Dodd. 


SERMONS, NOT BEFORE PUBLISHED, ON VARIOUS 
PRACTICAL SUBJECTS. 

By the late Edward Dorr Griffin, D. D. 

“ Dr. Griffin may be regarded as having been a prince among the 
princes of the American pulpit. He left a large number of sermons 
carefully revised and ready for publication, part of which were pub- 
lished shortly after his death, but the greater portion of which consti- 
tute the present volume. They are Joubtless among the ablest dis- 
courses of the present day, and are aliJte fitted to disturb the delusions 
ef guilt, to quicken and strengthen, and comfort the Christian, and to 
serve as a model to the theological student, who would construct his 
discourses, in a way to render them at once the most impressive, and 
the most edifying,” 

A MEMOIR OF THE REV. LEGH RICHMOND, A. M. 

Rector of Turvey, Bedfordshire. By Rev. T. S. Grimshaw^ 
A. M.. Rector of Burton-Latimer, &c. Seventh American 
from the last London Edition, with a handsome Portrait on 
Steel. 

‘•We have here a beautiful reprint of one of the best books of it 
class, to be found in our language. Such beauty and symmetry of cha 
racter, such manly intelligence and child-like simplicity, such officia./ 
dignity and condescending meekness, such warmth of zeal united with 
a perception of fitness which always discerns the right thing to b« 
done, and an almost faultless prudence in doing it, — are seldom found 
combined in the same person. It is a book for a minister, and a book 
for parishioners ; a book for the lovers of nature, and a book for thf 
friends of God and of his species. Never perhaps were the spirits am 
duties of a Christian Pastor more happily exemplified. Never du 
warmer or purer domestic affections throb in a human bosom, or exer 
cise themselves more unceasingly and successfully for the comfort, the 
present well-being and final sa'vation of sons and daughters. From m 
heart probably, did ever good will flow out to men, in a fuller, warmei 
current. In a word, be was the author of the ‘ Dairyman’s Daughter, 
and the ‘ Young Cottager.’ 

“ The engraved likeness of Mr. Richmond alone is worth the cost of 
the work ; as illustrative of the uncommon benignity that adorned and 
endeared the man to his friends and the world.” 

UNCLE barnaby; 

Or Recollections of his Character and Opinions, pp. 316. 

“The religion of this book is good — the morality excellent, and the 
mode of exhibiting their important lessons can hardly be surpassed in 
anything calculated to make them attractive to the young, or successful 
in correcting anything bad in their habits or morals. There are some 
twenty chapters on as many common sayings and maxims, occurrences 
and incidents — in this respect bearing a resemblance to ‘ the Prompter, 
somewhat oracular book forty or fifty years ago. It is an excellent 
book to keep in a family, an ! may h*3 alike beneficial to parents and 
ehildren.” 

18 , 


SABBATH SCHOOL 


BOOK DEPOSITORY. 


BEING SOLE AGENT IN NEW YORK FOR THE SALE OP THl 
PUBLICATIONS 0’=’ THE 

MASSACHUSETTS SUNBAY SCHOOL SOCIETY, 

We have at all times on hand a full assortment of their publi- 
cations, in quantities which we furnish at wholesale and retail 
at the Society’s prices in Boston. In addition to their valua- 
ble series of Library Books, they publish a series of Question 
Books, for Sunday Schools and Bible Classes, which are un- 
surpassed, if equalled, by any now in use. 

In connection with the above, we have a large assortment 
of books published by ourselves and othei individual pub- 
hshers. suitable for Sunday School Libraries. 

The above, with the publications of the Tract Societies, 
and other Sunday School Societies, which are furnished by 
us at Societies’ prices, give us unusual facilities for filling 
orders for anything needed for Sunday Schools. 


SUNDAY SCHOOL LYRE. 

Words and Music chiefly new. 

COMPILED AND COMPOSED 

By THOMAS HASTINGS, 

AUTHOR or VARIOUS MUSICAL AND MISCELLANEOUS PRODUCTIONS. 

The superior character of this work, for one of its kind, 
and the very low price at which it is furnished, commend* 
it to the special attention of those connected with Sunday 
Schools. 

34 


M. W. DODD, 
J)ubltsl)er anb Bookeellcr, 

m ADDITION TO 

mm ®wif iPTOiLnsAfUdDH^s, 

HAS ALWAYS ON HAND 

AlMerican and foreign works, 

IN 

RELIGIOUS, THEOLOGICAL, 


STAN'DARD & MISCELLANEOUS LITERATURE, 

2s(S(» 

AND IS 

CONSTANTLY RECEIVING NEW WORKS, 

AS THEY ARE ISSUED FROM THE PRESS, 

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